Advent

Advent Sunday is the first day of the ecclesiastical year. Advent season is really an introduction to Christmas, as Lent is to Easter. Its observation was not a fixed date until a comparatively late period in the Church's history, and it was quite a long while before all the Christian Church could agree on a date as being the correct one for Christmas Day. When all had agreed that December 25th was the right date, then Advent became fixed for a special period prior to Christmas.

Advent reminds us of two things: (1) The first advent or appearance of Christ on earth, and (2) that Christ is coming again to this earth.

It prepares us for Christmas time, when we all think of Christ being born in a manger at Bethlehem. It reminds us that the prophets of the Old Testament had, centuries before, foretold His coming, and that He would be born in Bethlehem, and would be "A Man of Sorrows and acquainted with grief;" also that His name would be Immanuel (God with us). Many other prophecies were uttered which all came true and were wonderfully fulfilled. The Savior came, was born on that first Christmas-day, lived a life of pureness, goodness, and truth, and died to save us all, in order that all who truly believe in Him should have everlasting life. May God help us to so love and serve Him that we shall all be ready and glad to see Him when He comes to earth the second time.

We love to meet our own fathers. When? Always, except when we have done something wrong and which has displeased them. Then we are a little ashamed of ourselves, and also do not so readily want to meet them. Therefore if we truly love and follow Jesus we shall be so glad to see Him when He comes at the second Advent, shall we not? The best way to live is to go on serving and working for Christ as if He were coming tomorrow.