Advent at Ararat - Day 1: The Word became flesh.

“In the beginning the Word already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. He existed in the beginning with God. God created everything through him, and nothing was created except through him. The Word gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it. He came into the very world he created, but the world didn’t recognize him. He came to his own people, and even they rejected him. But to all who believed him and accepted him, he gave the right to become children of God. They are reborn—not with a physical birth resulting from human passion or plan, but a birth that comes from God. So the Word became human and made his home among us. He was full of unfailing love and faithfulness. And we have seen his glory, the glory of the Father’s one and only Son.”

‭‭John‬ ‭1‬:‭1‬-‭5‬, ‭10‬-‭14‬ ‭NLT‬‬

For these days leading up to the celebration of the birth of Christ, please join Ararat Church in our own Advent adventure. On each of these 25 days we will take one portion of the true Christmas story as seen in the Holy scriptures. We will consider these passages with limited commentary as this is a time for personal reflection and preparation.

Now, the method of observance of Advent varies from Western to Eastern observances, with even the days of observance varying. However, originally, they all had a common purpose.

The term “Advent” comes from a Latin word meaning “coming.” Traditionally this was a period of time used for preparation for the celebration of the birth of Christ as well as preparation for the Second Coming of Christ. Indeed, the liturgical meaning of the Advent season referred to the dual “coming” of Jesus.

Sadly, for the most part, many Christians have neglected the latter emphasis on preparation for the Second Coming of Christ. Perhaps that is why even the other purpose of the observance of Advent has also been lost: preparation for the celebration of the Lord’s birth.

Now, we generally think of the preparation for a celebration as involving the logistics of the celebration: attire, food, decor, gifts, music, venue, and so on.

However, the Advent season is meant to be a time of preparation of the heart for the celebration of the birth of Christ, as well as preparation for the Second Advent (the Second Coming). We consider: Do I understand what Christ did by coming to dwell among us? As well: Do I believe that He is physically coming back to dwell with us forever?

We begin today with a passage from the book of John which gives a concise—but complete—overview of what the celebration of Christmas is about: The Word became flesh.

Jesus said:

“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.”

‭‭John‬ ‭3‬:‭16‬ ‭NLT‬‬

For today meditate on the fact that the Power through which all things have been created, condescended into a mortal body to do for us what we could not do for ourselves. As well, meditate upon whether or not you have true expectancy in terms of the Lord’s Second Coming.

Peace to you.

Jesus is coming! Get ready for Him!

#AdventatArarat