It is time to think about the meaning of Christmas

Thanksgiving dinner has been eaten and with full bellies, the following considerations are made; watch a football game, contemplate Christmas, or just take a nap! 

Usually all three manage to work themselves into your agenda. The game is over, the nap complete, so let’s think Christmas. One Christmas tradition used in many homes and churches is an event called “advent.” 

As you’ll see, Advent starts four Sundays before Christmas Day, so we are already two Sundays late. We will remedy that by lighting two candles this week just to catch up. 

 

First Sunday of

Advent Nov. 27, 2022.

The Advent is an event in the Christian calendar that fore tells the birth of Jesus. The word “advent” derives from the Latin word “advenio”  which translates “coming to.” 

The prophets throughout history, many who are documented in the Old Testament of the Bible, proclaim the prophecy of the birth of Christ, his life, death, resurrection, and coming again. 

The Advent begins four Sundays before Christmas as Christians prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus. The Advent wreath, symbolizing  this celebration, is a wreath in a circular configuration to show God’s encompassing love and is composed of evergreen boughs, which are a symbol of the hope of eternal  life through Jesus. 

The wreath is complimented by five candles that will be lit, one at a time, each week of Advent. 

The fifth candle will be lit Christmas Day to represent the birth of the Christ Child.  Sometimes, colored candles are used, but the fifth candle placed in the center of the wreath will be white, representing purity. 

The first Sunday of Advent we light the Prophecy candle in memory of the prophets, such as Isaiah who foretold the birth of Christ;          

 

A Christmas Story

 A nester’s soddy snugged the canyon wall,

Protected from the wind’s,

howlin’, relentless, ever searching squall.

The soddy would defend.

 

And within those walls, young children soundly sleep,

And dream of Christmas Day,

With candy canes and sugar plums in a heap,

And the Christ Child’s birthday.

 

Lamp light flickers while Advent candle will glow,

With message often told,

And the joy the season would bestow,

It’s promise good as gold.

 

The Advent wreath, a circle, sign of love,

With boughs of evergreen,

Give hope of eternal life from God above,

Life ever so serene.

 

The prophecy candle brings forth its scope,

Of prophets reconciled.

 The first candle is the symbol of hope,

the birth of the Christ Child.

 

 Isaiah 7:14  “Therefore the Lord himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.” 

 

The Second Sunday of Advent Dec. 4. 2022

On this second Sunday of Advent, we light the candle of peace. Because it is said that Jesus Christ is the Prince of Peace and the fruit of His presence is peace.  

So, as we come into this Christmas Season, let’s strive to remember that we are celebrating the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. 

Yes, Christmas is a fun time, especially for children, and we can enjoy with them while we help them and others remember the Christ Child and the Christmas story.  The scripture continues to tell us that Christ comes to bring justice, wholeness, and harmony to every relationship throughout all creation. He wants to continually grant us peace in every situation. (2nd Thessalonians 3:16)  Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.

 

(A Christmas Story…continued)

 The nesters family celebrate,

This joyous Christmas time.

They light each candle, as children await,

With spirit so sublime.

 

And then they gather as families will,

While Papa says a prayer,

Each one thankful as blessings seem to fill,

Each heart as they prepare.

 

This night, the peace candle will be lit,

Still, children count the days,

Like the cowboy way, their spirit will not quit,

Their excitement ablaze!

 

 Day after day His blessin’s will increase

Blessin’s often unseen

Their thoughts are on Jesus, the Prince of Peace

Ephesians two:fourteen

 

(Ephesians 2:14) For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;

Join us at First Baptist Marlin as we prepare for Christmas by celebrating the Advent

 God bless each of you and God Bless America! 

 

 

The Marlin Democrat

251 Live Oak St
Marlin, TX 76661
Phone: (254) 883-2554
Fax:(254) 883-6553