Advent 2023 Week One

"The fundamental difference between wisdom and prophecy lies in the nature of wisdom as a skill or the ability to live well, whereas prophecy conveys direct and specific information from God addressing a particular situation." [1]

Prophets of Christmas

This season is often called "Advent." It comes from the Latin word adventus, meaning "coming." It refers to the arrival of a notable person, thing, or event. Advent refers to the four Sundays preceding Christmas. Traditionally this is a time of waiting expectantly and joyfully for the coming of the Messiah, the Son of God, celebrating his first advent and anticipating his second advent.

A common symbol of advent is candles. For many years when our children were growing up, we celebrated with an Advent wreath with five candles. Kids love fire, especially boys. We bought a wreath with four candleholders around the circle and one bigger one in the middle. The gold candle was for the prophets, white for angels, green for shepherds, purple for wise men, and the big red one in the middle for Jesus. We would light a new candle each week, read relevant Scripture verses and sing a Christmas carol that fits that week. Who got to light each candle was a big deal, and at what age were they allowed to do it. It was a great way to share the real story of Christmas and build anticipation. Try it with your friends or family or even by yourself. It can help you make Christ the center of Christmas.

Jesus fulfills many Old Testament prophecies made hundreds of years before Jesus was born. He is the promised, prophesied Messiah, so we celebrate and worship him.

[1] Shields, M. A. "Wisdom and Prophecy." Ed. Tremper Longman III and Peter Enns. Dictionary of the Old Testament: Wisdom, Poetry & Writings 2008: 877. Print.