This past weekend you have probably all opened your advent calendars and started the count down to Christmas day. But why is it tradition to count down to the 25th December? Many today think it is only about Father Christmas and receiving presents, but lets take a closer look at what the real reason for advent is.
What is Advent?
It is a time of expectant waiting and preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus. The term is a version of the latin word meaning “coming”.
Although we celebrate the birth of Jesus on the 25th of December, we do not know the exact date He was born. The Bible does not tell us.
Why was the birth of Jesus so special?
It was special because He was God Himself. He was called Emmanuel, God with us: Matthew 1:23.
This was when God became man, but yet remained God. How wonderful! Imagine living in the days when Jesus lived upon the earth!
This was no ordinary birth. He was born of a virgin, conceived by the Holy Spirit (Matthew 1:18,20). How special His birth was. It was recognised by many, who came to worship Him as ‘Saviour, Christ the Lord’ (Luke 2:11); and gave Him gifts as King (Matthew 2:10-11).
His birth was so special it was prophesied in the Old Testament, by many prophets, hundreds of years before His birth. In Isaiah 7:14, we read of His name and who He would be born of; and in Micah 5:2 we read where He would be born.
Why was Jesus coming into this world important?
Jesus came into this world as the Saviour: Matthew 1:21 “for He shall save His people from their sins.” Yes, John the baptist could declare, “Behold the Lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world.” John 1:29.
He is the One that paid the price for our sins by dying on the cross and completed the work when He arose the third day.
We all know the famous verse John 3:16 but do we believe what this verse says? God loves us with an everlasting love. This means that His love will never fail. He made a way for us so that we will not perish. To perish means that we will be in everlasting torment, in the lake of fire, where there is “weeping and gnashing of teeth”. God doesn't want that for us! His way of setting us free is by His Son, Jesus Christ, who offers us everlasting life and eternity with Him, the one and true God.
John 3:17 tells us that God sent His Son to save us not to condemn us! In verse 18 we read that if we do not believe we are condemned already. How can we go on living as normal when there is eternal doom set before us.
“...Whosoever believes on Him should not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16
Jesus is now in Heaven seated at the right hand of His Father. He is coming again not as a babe but as King of kings and Lord of lords: 1 Tim 6:15.
This advent, as you count down the days till Christmas, think about the real reason for Christmas!!
Are you looking forward to His coming? Are you ready for His coming?
Love Josh
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