Advent Greetings
Rejoice! Rejoice!
"Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel”
Adventus Redemptoris: the coming of the Savior! Now called Advent, we are experiencing some of the most joyful weeks in the Christian year. These four weeks preceding Christmas Day are days of preparation and expectation as we prepare for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ, the central figure in Christianity.
Our churches are celebrating this time of expectation with special services, music and other reminders of a Church pausing to wait yet again for the birth of her Savior. “O Come, O Come Emmanuel”, one of the oldest Advent hymns dates from early centuries and is a favorite with its themes of light overcoming darkness and captives set free. As Christians, we experience the birth of Christ as the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies. These are major themes of Advent. The Old Testament messianic prophecies are reflected in our use of candles and scripture.
“A shoot shall come out from the stump of Jesse, and a branch shall grow out of his roots.” Isaiah 11:
“The wolf shall live with the lamb, the leopard shall lie down with the kid, the calf and the lion and the fatling together, and a little child shall lead them.” Isaiah 11:6
The color of Advent is purple or royal blue, symbolizing the birth of a king. Our altar cloths, paraments, reflect these colors. We decorate for Advent, often with a Chrismon tree hung with Christian symbols, an Advent wreath, greenery and poinsettias. Our children warm our hearts with Christmas programs, Nativity scenes and Christmas parties. Our choirs sing with gusto. Our clergy preach the message of hope. Our congregations are attentive and responsive to the adventure.
We need no reminder that the “holiday season” can be hectic with expectations and agendas that are impacted by an economic crisis. However, for those celebrating Advent, we have a place of peace and quiet preparation. As Christians, we are a hopeful people. Advent reminds us of the Great Mystery: “Christ was born. Christ has died. Christ has risen. Christ will come again.”
During these days of Advent, I invite you to join Christians worldwide as we search for the light that illuminates the darkness through reflection on scripture and prayer. As we journey, may His light in us illuminate our darkness and fill our lives with great hope and joy!
“O come, Desire of nations, bind
In one the hearts of all mankind;
Bid Thou our sad divisions cease,
And be Thyself our King of Peace.
Rejoice! Rejoice!
O come, O come, Emmanuel,
And ransom captive Israel,
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appear.
Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel”
Sincerely in Christ,
Rev. Oscar N. Carrasco
District Superintendent
Elgin District
