Here is a beautiful expression of what that was like: From the Cradle to the Cross...
(I was particularly pleased to see this lovely display in our church narthex,
as my son was honored to build the old rugged cross especially for this time.)
Today being the first Sunday of Advent, we had our traditional lighting of the first Advent Candle:
The candle of HOPE.
"This morning we light the first candle, the candle of hope. This candle reminds us that God's promises give us reason to be filled with hope~hope for unity in a world of division, hope for healing in a world of pain, and hope for peace in a world filled with anger and strife. We remember that Christ is our light and the source of our hope."
Instead of the traditional prophetic verses from Isaiah 7:14, or Isaiah 9:2-7, about the first Advent of the Messiah, our pastor read today from Luke 21:25-36, which is about Christ's second Advent to the earth. We are warned about the things that are to take place prior to His return, and in verses 27-28, after many signs and wonders have taken place in the heavens and on the earth:
27."Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory.
28. Now when these things begin to happen, look up and lift up your heads, because your redemption draws near."
Whether or not this takes place at the end of the tribulation, or just prior to, or whenever...no man really knows...but we are to be ready...to keep watching and know the signs of the times so that we are not caught unprepared for that moment. Christ could return at any moment to catch His Bride, the Church, away from the earth. I know I want to be ready and not be left behind.
So Advent is a time to, yes, prepare our hearts anew for the coming of the Babe in the Manger and to remember why He came in the first place...but even more for us as believers, it is a time to prepare our hearts for His second coming...to be watching and waiting...and serving Him now with our talents, time, and offerings...and sharing this Good News of the Gospel with as many as we can while there is yet time. That's what this first Sunday of Advent means to me.
(Our nativity scene is now set up in our home)
Lovely photos! Your church is very pretty and I love the Cradle to the Cross display. I've never seen that done before. Wishing you a blessed week ahead!
ReplyDeleteNeither had I, but I am so pleased that they did this, and especially that they asked Benton to make the cross! What an honor! That just really made it extra special for me! :) But I love the symbolism of this display. It really makes you stop and think. They will put the baby Jesus in the manger on Christmas Eve.
DeletePraying you and Joe have a blessed week too as we prepare for Christmas!
Though I went to a church all through we never celebrated Advent. At least it wasn't called that. I only starting learning about it in the recent past. Happy first day of Advent to you. Everything looks lovely at the church.
ReplyDeleteI grew up in the Methodist church, and we always celebrated Advent. Then in our ministry years we were in a denomination that didn't particularly celebrate it, but when my husband (the pastor) and I introduced it to them, they appreciated it and embraced it as well. We love to get families involved by asking a different family to light the candles each week and read the scripture for the week. It is a beautiful way to encourage families to focus on the real meaning of Christmas.
DeleteI believe it's a good practice for helping us think about the real reason for the season and what we can expect for our futures in Christ.
DeleteBeautiful post. I wasn't raised in a church that celebrated Advent, but it has come to be a very special time for me and I enjoy the dual anticipation of it-the first coming of Christ and the second.
ReplyDeleteYes, as believers we can see beyond the Babe in the Manger to when He returns for us, His Bride, The Church...and we know the story is SO much bigger. But I love the celebration of Advent because it helps us to focus on the true meaning of Christmas all month long, and we involve families in the lighting of the candles and the scripture reading, so that is another way to help them see the real purpose of Christmas.
DeleteBeautiful!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sandi. I love this time of the year, don't you?
DeleteHappy Advent, Pamela! I love that cross that Benton made - the entire display is so moving. May we all prepare our hearts to receive our Lord and Savior this season.
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Yes, I love the old song "There is room in my heart for You..." , which is sung after we sing, "No room, only a manger of hay..." Preparing our hearts to receive Him once again!
DeleteTo me, Advent is the call to worship, to quiet oneself amidst the noise of the secularism of Christmas. My family and church did not really address Advent each Sunday when I was growing up, but as an adult my denomination has 'woke up' to the value of Advent, and I'm glad.
ReplyDeleteYes, I am happy to see many churches and families observing and worshiping during the Advent season...helping us to prepare our hearts for welcoming Jesus into our hearts and homes anew. I love this time of worship. Thank you for joining in!
DeleteI love the song From the Cradle to the Grave...Thank You Lord Jesus. It's such a wonderful time of year.
ReplyDeleteIs that the one "Lord I lift Your name on High"? I love that one too. Yes, it is a wonderful time of the year. We have much to be thankful for and look forward to!
DeletePam; On this past Sunday, I had "Children's Moments" during the second service. God gave me the idea of talking about Advent and what it means. I also asked the question, "Do any of you know who Jesus is?" I received some good answers from the children. One little boy said "God". I was impressed with his answer because I know his family situation is not the best. I also heard, "Savior," and "King." Peace and blessings.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post! We are doing Advent at church and began this past Sunday. Such a beautiful time. Was just thinking about you recently dear lady and how blessed you have been with your new home and location. I hope that you had a wonderful Thanksgiving. Hugs and blessings, Cindy
ReplyDelete