"Preparing for Advent is Preparing for Christmas"
 

"Therefore be on the alert, for you do not know which day your Lord is coming.  But be sure of this, that if the head of the house had known at what time of the night that the thief was coming, he would have been on the alert and would not have his house to be broken into.  For this reason you be ready too; for the Son of Man is coming at an hour when you do not think He will."

Matthew 24:42-44

Advent is the celebration of the coming of Christ.  Advent is the four Sundays prior to December 25th, Christ's birth.

Advent is a time to prepare our hearts for the celebration of the birth of Christ.  Looking back, examining Israel's history of a long-awaited Messiah, like ancient Israel, it is our time to look forward to the second coming of Christ.

Advent is a constant reminder that a victorious Lord will return a second time.  We do not know when the long anticipated event will occur, but we are reminded to stay prepared.

Advent is a time to bring our lives in tune with God.  In Matthew's gospel chapter 24, verses 37-41, Jesus reminded the disciples of the example of Noah.  "For the coming of the Son of Man will be just like the days of Noah.  For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day that Noah entered the ark, and they did not understand until the flood came and took them all away; so will the coming of the Son of Man be.  Then there will be two men inthe field; one will be taken and one will be left.  Two women will be grinding at the mill; one will be taken and one will be left."

Advent is a time to prepare for the birth of Christ.  It is a time to line up our faith boldly and without reservation.

Blessings,

Roger