Advent – What Is It All About?

Luke 2:9

An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified.

Do we have any idea why we celebrate Advent – or don’t celebrate it?  Advent is more than the period of time that begins with the fourth Sunday before Christmas and runs through Christmas Eve.  It is more than merely a time of awaiting the coming of the baby Jesus in the manger.

In the fourth century when they began to celebrate Advent – it was also a time of remembering and waiting on the Lord’s return. Have any of us ever heard the term/word – Maranatha?  It is an Aramaic term that literally means – Come Lord, Come – and was often used to invite our Lord’s return.  I have been using it a lot these days – with all of the unrest – the shootings – the terrorists – the bombings.  I have cried out many times for the Lord to come – to return for His people – to save us from ourselves.

Not only is the Glory of God seen when Jesus is being born – and the glory of the Lord shone around them – but the Glory of God will shine when Jesus returns.  Describing Christ’s departure from earth – Luke records these words: Luke 21:27 – At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.

As we approach Christmas this year – let us not only look toward the baby Jesus – but let us also remember the returning Messiah – the King of Kings – the Lord of Lords.  Let us cry out – Come Lord, Come – Maranatha!  Advent is all about the coming of our Lord and Savior – Jesus Christ!

Just something to think about today as you go on your way.