Submitted by Laura Miller, Yokota Japan
Hope and Holiness are the Heart of Advent. Advent derives from the Latin word ‘advenio’, which means “coming to”. Advent is a time in which Christians focus on Christ our King coming into the world. It is a tradition in some churches to celebrate advent with a lighting of advent candles. A purple or blue candle is lit the second week to symbolize the royalty of Jesus. As we prepare our hearts during the second week of advent for the celebration of His birth, may we reflect on the promises that God made to mankind and the Hope (blessed assurance) that these promises provide. Hope is grounded in His promises. He promised through the prophets that a Savior would come. Jesus, Emmanuel, God with us, is that Savior. John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” The birth of Christ was God’s perfect plan from the beginning to come into the world to redeem man from sin that entered the world in the Garden of Eden. Titus 1:2 says, “a faith and knowledge resting on the hope of eternal life, which God, who does not lie, promised before the beginning of time.” Faith in Jesus must be accompanied by repentance of sin. Acts 20:21 teaches, “I have declared to both Jews and Greeks that they must turn to God in repentance and have faith in our Lord Jesus”. Through faith, Christ dwells within us by the power of the Holy Spirit. “Christ in you, the Hope of Glory.” (Col. 1:27b)
Advent tells the story of two arrivals: the birth of Christ and his return. Christians should prepare their hearts for the advent of Jesus’ second coming, His glorious return. It has been 2000 years since Jesus was born. Many people may be wondering, where is he? When will he return? May we reflect on the promise Jesus made that He will ‘come again’ and that we will spend eternity with Him. Jesus promises in John 14:3, “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” Jesus desires to return to a bride that is Holy, righteous, set apart and living for Him. It is Jesus who makes us righteous. It is the Holy Spirit dwelling within you that makes you Holy. It is His holiness. There is nothing we can do to attain holiness apart from Him. Luke 3:8 tells us that our lives should “produce fruit in keeping with repentance”. May we daily examine our lives for sin, spend time in the presence of our King in prayer and His word, and love Him with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. Hebrews 12:2 reads, “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. He will refine us and make us Holy if we are His children. I Peter 1:16 commands, “for it is written, Be holy, because I am Holy.” The 2009/10 PWOCI theme verse is 1 Peter 2:9, “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” God has chosen us to be His people. Let us be a Bride that is prepared for the Bridegroom. Maranatha, Come Lord (King) Jesus!!
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