WANDA HEBRON

Quite frankly, I had given no thought to the word “Advent” prior to writing this article. I have been in Christian circles most of my life and, although I may have at some time or other heard the word used, I had never thought about what it meant.

The word 'advent' is Latin for 'a coming or arrival'. So, Advent is a season of preparation. The original advent was about Father God orchestrating the preparations needed for His Son to be born, as a baby, into this world; to grow and live among us and eventually die for our sins. The people weren’t prepared for what God was about to do. He took people through impossible circumstances and created miraculous results. He created life where there was none and the hearts of men rejoiced at the arrival of Emanuel, God with Us, our hope of glory.

There are many traditions that surround this season, which include, but are not limited to: fasting, prayer, repentance, penance, singing, feasting, celebrating, etc. No matter what your tradition is, we celebrate Advent as a reminder and commemoration of what took place to prepare the world for the first arrival of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

With that in mind, I can’t help but think forward toward the Second Advent. As we remember what has already happened, let us also look forward and prepare for what’s going to happen (soon): when our Savior will truly establish “Peace on earth good will toward men”. Have we made ourselves ready? Do we look with rapt anticipation for his arrival? Oh… I hope so.

"It is a time to move forward and press into the things of God with all your heart and soul."

The year 2011 is about to arrive and it is chucked full of opportunity. Prophetically there are so many things that will be fulfilled individually and corporately. Father God is again setting things into motion and preparing us for the Advent of Jesus Christ, Ruler of Heaven and Earth, King of the Universe, King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He will take you through impossible circumstances and create miraculous results, bringing life where there was none. Now is not a time to draw back and get distracted with the twinkle and glitter of the world or the traditions of men. It is a time to move forward and press into the things of God with all your heart and soul. If your love for Him has cooled as you’ve navigated the storms of life, don’t beat yourself up. Ask for forgiveness and ask God to revive you and to restore your fire and passion. Everything is being set into motion to prepare you, His bride, for the arrival of our Bridegroom and King. All of heaven is celebrating, making preparation for that day. So, as we close out 2010 and remember the original events that led to Christ’s first arrival, let your hearts be full of hope and faithfulness as we look for the next.