Entering the Season of Advent

The celebration of the Advent season (which begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas day) dates back to the 4th century. It is a time that focuses our attention on the promises of God to send a Redeemer who "will save His people from their sins" [Matthew 1.21]. We also turn our attention toward His Second Coming, when he will return to redeem all creation and rule with all power and authority. Since we do not know the day or hour of Christ’s return, we are filled with both a sense of joyful expectation and humble reverence. The church has used the season of Advent (which means “coming” or “arrival”) to focus and reconnect on themes such as John the Baptist’s preparation for the ministry of Christ, the annunciation to Mary that she would be the mother of Jesus, Christ’s return to gather his people, and the final judgment. Throughout the season, we are constantly reminded that Jesus Christ is the Savior of the world.

Historically, the primary color of Advent is purple (or blue), the color of royalty, to welcome the coming of the King. This points to the important connection between Jesus’ birth and his death, resurrection, and ascension to the right hand of the Father. The nativity and the Incarnation cannot be separated from the crucifixion and the Atonement.

One way we mark the time of this season is with the Advent wreath. The evergreens symbolize the new and everlasting life we have in Jesus Christ. The wreath consists of five candles—four candles around the wreath and one white candle in the center. One candle is lit the first Sunday of Advent, two are lit the second Sunday, and so on. The fifth and final candle—the Christ candle—is lit on the evening before Christmas Day. The growing light reminds us that Jesus is the light of the world who comes into the darkness of our lives to bring newness, life, and hope (Isaiah 42.6).

This year, our Sunday morning worship series will center around the names of the Messiah: "The Lamb of God," "Immanuel," "The Prince of Peace," and "Jesus." Join us at 10:45a on Sunday mornings to learn more about each of these names. You can also find previous sermons in the player below.

On December 24, Calvary Baptist Church will celebrate the end of Advent and the beginning of Christmas with a short Candlelight Christmas Eve service at 5:30p.