Advent: The Arrival

Photo from CMG

“Come, thou long expected Jesus
Born to set thy people free
From our fears and sins release us
Let us find our rest in thee
Israel’s strength and consolation
Hope of all they earth thou art
Dear desire of every nationJoy of every longing heart”
- Charles Wesley

This past Sunday marked the start of advent. This is a season of anticipation, filled with the expectation of an arrival. The meaning of advent is “a coming or an introduction,” but for us to truly recognize and participate in the Advent season is for us to journey together in the expectant waiting and preparation of Jesus’ birth. It is during this time that our hearts are reminded and again awakened to the hope, peace, joy, and love of the Father. Salvation has come to us through Jesus the Messiah.

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14). 

Did you know that the beginning of Advent marks the start of the liturgical year or the public worship calendar? It begins with anticipating Christ’s arrival, leading us to celebrate Christ’s birth on Christmas, and then propels us forward to His death, burial, and resurrection on Good Friday and Easter Sunday. This season is a call to both an awareness of Jesus’ arrival and an alertness for his second coming.

I’ve been anticipating this season of Advent and the recognition of the beginning of the church calendar. Through these practices and rhythms, and through being intentional in our time and dedication to God’s Word, we are worshipping the Lord Jesus and responding to God’s revelation and salvation in Christ alone.

Jesus is the promised eternal hope, and in this Advent season He is calling us to hope in His miracles, His provisions, His humility, and ultimately His salvation.

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope” (Romans 15:13).

In the coming weeks at Vintage Church, we hope that you will join us on our journey through the Advent season together. This is the first in a series of blog posts on Advent that we will feature here. Our sermon audio, video, notes and daily Advent readings are also available here.