Isaiah 7:14 Therefore the Lord himself will give youa sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.

The Season of Advent

Advent is a season of waiting and preparation. Advent is unique in the fact that it is inspired by scripture. A season of joy and hope for Christians around the world. Now that Christ was born, we are in a season of waiting with expectation of Christ second coming.

During advent, Christians awaited the birth of Christ, which was foretold by the Prophet Isaiah centuries before it took place (Is. 7:14, NIV).

There are four weeks of Advent, which is a season of preparation for Christmas. Each Sunday of Advent is marked by the lighting of a candle, which is often seen on an Advent wreath. The four weeks represent themes such as hope, peace, joy, and love.

The first coming of our Lord and Savior was to offer salvation to ALL of humanity. “The thief comes only to steal, kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full" (Jn. 10:10, NIV). A "thief" comes only to steal and kill and destroy, but Jesus said He came to give us life, more abundantly. A life of eternal worth, and spiritual fulfillment.

The Advent colors of purple, pink, and white represent hope, joy, and love, with purple symbolizing penance and preparation, pink representing joy, and white signifying purity and the completion of the season. Purple is the primary color, used for the first, second, and fourth Sundays to signify prayer and reflection, while the third Sunday, or Gaudete Sunday, is marked by the pink candle to show joyful anticipation for Christ's arrival.

There is plenty of darkness in this world. It seems to get closer every day. How we decide to deal with the darkness in our lives, in the world, and in our own souls is a life-defining decision.

Jesus is the light of the world, and He is calling us to bring His light to this dark world.

Jesus said, “I am the light of the world; he who follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”

Say this out loud! I AM THE LIGHT IN THIS DARK WOLRD!

God bless!

Minister Aiken