Dear Friends,
What a true joy it is as children of God as we enter the Advent season!
The word ‘Advent’ comes from the Latin adventus, which was translated from the Greek word parousia (παρουσία) from the New Testament. Parousia means ‘arrival’, ‘presence’ or ‘coming’ and is usually associated with the second coming of Christ. So this season is a call not only to look back in thankfulness and with grateful hearts for Jesus’ birth and arrival over 2,000 years ago, but also to look forward in hope and with expectation for His return and second coming.
These three translations of parousia summarise this Advent season for us:
Arrival: We give thanks and celebrate the arrival of our Saviour – the beginning of the ‘good news’ and the beginning of the ‘gospel.’ The Greek word euangelion (εὐαγγέλιον) means ‘good news’ or ‘gospel’ in the New Testament, and the Roman Empire used this word to make a grand announcement of an event of significance.
We find the word in Luke 2:10 when the angel announced the birth of Jesus to the Shepherds: “But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for everyone. Today in the town of David, a Saviour has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord.”
The good news was that Jesus was the long-awaited Messiah. It brings joy to the world! The birth of Jesus Christ was God’s gift to the world. And so, as we spend time with our families, friends and loved ones this season, and we share gifts, let us remember that the best gift you can give them is to share the good news of Jesus Christ – who He is and what He came to do, His life and teachings. Bring the gift of the good news of salvation to everyone you meet and encounter this season.
Presence: Isaiah 7:14 says: “Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call Him Immanuel.” In Matthew 1:23, we see that Isaiah’s prophecy is fulfilled, and we are also told the meaning of the name Immanuel: “ … they will call Him Immanuel (which means “God with us”).
God is with us! God is ever present with us! God is with us always! His promise to us was fulfilled through Christ – what a comfort to know we are never alone.
Coming: Jesus has come and is coming again – Glory to God! He will return for His Church. Let us be expectant for His return. 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17 says: “For the Lord Himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.” 1 Corinthians 15:52 tells us it will be “In a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed.”
Prepare yourself for His coming as Matthew 24:44 reminds us: “So you must be ready because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect Him.”
Live in anticipation, put in the effort and energy to spend time and connect with Jesus through prayer, reading and studying God’s word, committing to worship, serving God, and loving one another.
The one thing I have been genuinely grateful for is coming to know Jesus, truly knowing Him. He has changed my life in so many ways. I cannot express this in words – there are no words but only those imprinted on my heart and in my spirit for Him alone to read. It is the best gift anyone can, or ever has, or ever could give me. Now that we have received Him, the call to action for us all is to share this with others. Remember to share about Christ’s arrival, His presence and His Coming this season, and God bless you abundantly as you do.
I pray that as you celebrate Christmas, your hearts overflow with thanksgiving for the ultimate gift of salvation. I am wishing you a joyous New Year in advance.
Every blessing,
Pastor Sherry Owolabi