Advent

Got this from BJ Lawson's blog:

What is Advent? December 8, 2010


The Meaning of “Advent”

The word Advent means “coming” or “arrival.” The focus of the entire season is the celebration of the birth of Jesus the Christ in his First Advent (coming), and the anticipation of the return of Christ the King in his Second Advent (coming). Advent is so much more than simplycelebrating a 2,000 year old event in history. It is celebrating a truth about God, the revelation of God in Christ in which all mankind might be reconciled to God. It is a process in which we now participate, and the completion of which we anticipate. Scripture reading for Advent will reflect this emphasis on the Second Coming, it includes themes of accountability for faithfulness at His coming, judgment on sin, and the hope of eternal life.

In this double focus on past and future, Advent also symbolizes the spiritual journey as we affirm that Christ has come, that He is present in the world today, and that He will come again in power. Knowing this provides a basis for holy living which comes from a profound sense that we live between the times and are called to be faithful stewards of what is entrusted to us as God’s people. As we look forward to His coming it is a great reminder to His people to “love the Lord your God with all your heart” and to “love your neighbor as yourself.”
The light of the candles itself becomes an important symbol of the season. The light reminds us that Jesus is the light of the world that comes into the darkness of our lives to bring newness, life, and hope. It also reminds us that we are called to be a light to the world as we reflect the light of God’s grace to others (Isa 42:6). The progression in the lighting of the candles symbolizes the various aspects of our waiting experience. As the candles are lighted over the four week period, it also symbolizes the darkness of fear and hopelessness receding and the shadows of sin falling away as more and more light is shed into the world. The flame of each new candle reminds us that something is happening, and that more is yet to come. Finally, the light that has come into the world is plainly visible as the Christ candle is lighted at Christmas, and we rejoice over the fact that the promise of long ago has been realized.