Advent has long been a season the Church at large has entered into as a time of preparing the heart to celebrate the first coming of Christ and as a way of reminder that we are waiting for His coming again. The observance of Advent is not commanded in Scripture, but the season of Advent is for our benefit. Together, we immerse ourselves in the themes of Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love as we strain to gather in all the beauty, truth, and wonder of the incarnation, all while looking forward to the day when He will come again in all of His glory, splendor, and holiness.
Each Sunday, we light a candle associated with one of the four themes: Hope, Peace, Joy, and Love. We then close the season of Advent with a Christmas Eve service where we light the fifth candle – the Christ candle.
In the middle of a seemingly chaotic season of rushing around, Advent calls us to slow down. Slow down, and remember that you are waiting. Slow down, and remember that our King, once wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger, is preparing a place for you. Slow down. Together, let us remember and wait.