Advent I

Advent contradicts almost every established practice in our increasingly secular society. Ipso facto, it must be a good and important tradition.

Instead of planning parties and buying gifts, Christians are asked to examine their consciences and clean up their lives so nothing will inhibit or prohibit their relationship to the Lord of Life.

The Christian Church celebrates the weeks before Christmas by reminding people that Jesus is coming again. He came unexpectedly despite earnest study and calculations by the most learned rabbi's in Judea two thousand years ago (except for Simeon) and He will come unexpectedly again, either at our death or at the end of the world.

Advent reminds us to prepare the way in our hearts for His coming because Jesus Himself asked: But how much of that kind of persistent faith will the Son of Man find on the earth when he returns? Luke 18:8b