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The Reason for the Season...of Advent

The liturgical season known as Advent is designed to remind Christians that we are defined by not one, but two, Advents.

We celebrate the first Advent of Christ.

We await the Second.

The first has happened--it is a historical reality.  The Son, the Second Person of the Triune Godhead, took on human flesh and was born of a Virgin.  He is Immanuel--God with us.  This event occurred at a specific time in a specific place, which we in the West have chosen to celebrate on the 25th day of December each year.

But this Advent--this Coming--only has meaning in relation to the Second Advent.  Christmas is incomplete, useless even, without Consummation.  The sweet babe in the manger, so tender and mild, can offer you no benefit unless you submit to Him as your returning Lord.  Advent is a season of hope and expectation, but only for those who wait for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ.

We celebrate Advent as Christians--Christ followers--because these two historical events, one past and one yet to come, define who we are.  Our identity, along with our resulting choices, hinges not on our culture or the fleeting whims of our untrustworthy hearts, but on the Savior who has come and is coming again.  

May you, who rejoice in the first Advent of our Redeemer, at His second Advent be rewarded with unending life.
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