Advent

1 December 2019

Today is the first Advent Sunday for 2019 in the lead up to Christmas.

The term Advent comes from Latin word ‘Adventus’,meaning ‘arrival’ or ‘coming’.

In Western Christianity Advent marks a time of repentance and preparation for the arrival of the King. It’s a greatopportunity for us, as Christians, to prepare ourselves spiritually for the celebration of the coming of Jesus atChristmas.

As Christmas approaches you may be feeling a heavy weight upon you; you may feel pressured in anticipation ofall that needs to be done as the year winds up. You may feel overwhelmed as our community busily prepares forthis season, with shopping centres packed full of people trying to finalise their Christmas shopping. You may feelfinancial strain, or even family pressures.

Are you burdened today? Well Advent is all about preparing.Today is a chance to take stock. A chance to realign ourhearts to God and to start to prepare spiritually for the cele-bration of the coming of our King.

Jesus said these words in the gospel of Matthew;

28“Cometo me,all you who are weary and burdened, and Iwill give you rest.29Takemy yoke upon you and learn fromme,for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will findrest for your souls.30Formy yoke is easy and my burden islight.”

(Matthew 11:28-30)

As Christians we are called to model our lives on God’s val-ues, not the world’s values. Perhaps today God is challengingyou to a radically different December!!! One filled withHope, Peace, Joy and Love... and of course Christ our King.

God Bless You

Capt. Darrell Wilson