1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome[a] it (John 1:1-5 NIV).
Friends, Advent is upon us. What is Advent? The encyclopedia Britannica tells us that, “Advent, (from Latin adventus, “coming”), in the Christian church calendar, the period of preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ at Christmas and also of preparation for the Second Coming of Christ.” Advent consists of the four Sundays leading up to Christmas, each with its own theme: hope, peace, joy, and love. We recognize each of these themes (made possible through Jesus) by reading a passage of scripture and lighting a candle on the Advent wreath culminating on Christmas Eve with the lighting of the Christ candle. The Gospel of John reminds us that, “In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome[a] it.” Through Jesus, we can have hope, no matter what our circumstances may be. Jesus brings us peace in even the most turbulent times of our lives. Because of Jesus, we can know what true joy is. In Jesus, we are loved and called to share that love with those around us. As we prepare our hearts and homes for Christmas let us never forget that Jesus is the reason for the season. “In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind.”
In God’s Grace Pastor Dave