The season of Advent is a time when we anticipate and celebrate the coming of Jesus Christ from three vantage points: His birth in Bethlehem, our reception of Him into our hearts, and His glorious second coming.

The term “Advent” was adopted by the early Church from the Latin adventus which means “coming or “arrival.”

Historically, the four-week observance of Advent is marked by four distinct themes, and each Sunday of Advent worship focuses on one of these themes. There are multiple variations throughout Church History, but for the purposes of our celebration, we will use the four themes of:

Hope ~ Peace ~ Love ~ Joy

For many in our culture, Christmas has become nothing more than a source of emotional and financial stress. But regardless of your background, religion, problems, or circumstances, Christmas really is the best news you could get. Here at New Life, we invite you to join us this Advent season in stepping back from our daily routines and seeing the big picture of God’s great salvation pictured in the birth of Jesus Christ! As we journey towards the Christmas season, let us begin preparing our hearts by focusing our attention in advance on the birth of the Messiah. Advent is an early reminder to ourselves of the “reason for the season”!

Our goal through each of the coming week’s reflections will be to experience Advent by learning, living, and giving through each of the four themes. Daily Bible readings and mid-week encouragements will lead up to an Advent presentation each Sunday in December.

We live in prayerful expectation of the Lord’s blessing upon our church, community, and country during this Christmas season.

Enjoy!
Pastor Mark