Celebrating the Advent Season

This year, I am trying hard to turn my focus on the holiday season from Christmas to Advent. What is the difference? A pretty big one. When I think of Christmas, there are certain things that come to mind immediately: gifts, shopping, decorating, etc. None of these things are bad things to think about when it is time for the Christmas season, but they are a distraction from the most important thing to think about. When I think of the Advent season, my thoughts immdiately go to the meaning of the word "Advent." In Latin, it means "to come." Thinking of Advent helps me think about the incarnation of the Almighty God as a helpless baby on earth. I also think about when Jesus will return a second time to earth to reign forever. This is where my focus should be and it is so hard for me to keep it there. Our society has changed the priorities of the Christmas Season from the ultimate gift of forgivness to the best time to feed consumerism. Oh how the two ideas clash!!

I am fortunate enough to attend a churchthat keeps it's focus on Christ. I wish I could write more eloquently. I have sp many thoughts on the subject, but I sruggle to find the right words. I'll leave you with a great quote I found on a website that explains an even greater and deeper meaning for the Advent Season.

"Thus, Advent is far more than simply marking a 2,000 year old event in history. It is celebrating a truth about God, the revelation of God in Christ whereby all of creation might be reconciled to God."