The word “Advent” comes from the Latin word "ad-venire;” it means “to come.” The season of Advent is the four Sundays prior to Christmas. It celebrates the comings of Christ: His first coming (birth) and His second coming (return).

Madeleine L’Engle, in Cry Like a Bell, wrote a beautiful poem:

First Coming

He did not wait till the world was ready,

till men and nations were at peace.

He came when the Heavens were unsteady,

and prisoners cried out for release.

He did not wait for the perfect time.

He came when the need was deep and great.

He dined with sinners in all their grime,

turned water into wine.

He did not wait till hearts were pure.

In joy he came to a tarnished world of sin and doubt.

To a world like ours, of anguished shame

he came, and his Light would not go out.

He came to a world which did not mesh,

to heal its tangles, shield its scorn.

In the mystery of the Word made Flesh

the Maker of the stars was born.

We cannot wait till the world is sane

to raise our songs with joyful voice,

for to share our grief, to touch our pain,

He came with Love: Rejoice! Rejoice!

In the carol “O Little Town of Bethlehem” we sing these words: “O holy child of Bethlehem, descend to us we pray. Cast out our sin and enter in, be born in us today.”

My prayer is that Christ is born in your heart anew this advent season. I look forward to seeing you in church and sharing this holy season with you.

Peace,

Pastor Cathy Johns