Ep. 28 ”Encountering Jesus” Mark 10:46-52

If you had asked me three years ago what advent was, I would not know what to tell you. If someone were to tell me that advent was to Christmas what Lent is to Easter, I probably would have responded with “oh, that’s for the Catholics.”

In reality, Advent (and Lent) are both Christian Traditions. (Traditions within the Church, like rules/regulations/rituals/programs/etc. are okay as long as they don’t replace or take away from Doctrine. Especially if they draw you closer to Christ.

Advent (arrival) is a Christian Tradition, which is a season of anticipation. We are anticipating the coming of Jesus Christ and what He gives to us

Matthew 1:23 “²³ Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.”

“Immanuel, God with us in our nature, in our sorrow, in our lifework, in our punishment, in our grave, and now with us, or rather we with Him, in resurrection, ascension, triumph, and Second Advent Splendor.” – C.H. Spurgeon

Advent is a time of celebration and anticipation of the coming of Christ

1. (First Coming at Bethlehem): The Gift of His Redemption

Isaiah 7:14; John 1:14; Last Adam

2. (Future Reign): The Glory of His Return

Revelation 19

3. (His Daily Coming): The Grace to the Receiver

So not only has Jesus come (first advent) not only is He coming again (second advent), He is also with us. He is present in our daily lives and with us in the journey of life.  The reality of God’s presence in our daily lives can be overshadowed by things of the world. (Secular culture which Satan rules). Being a follower of Christ is not about life in the Church, but life in Christ. (this season helps because it turns our attention to the coming of Christ in our daily lives)