Both events are found in Messianic prophecies in the Old and New Testament.

The activities surrounding the Advent celebration are varied. The Eastern Orthodox Church also uses the term for the 40-day Nativity Fast, as many believers prepare for the celebration of the coming of Messiah with a time of sacrifice and prayer.

Some western denominations light an Advent wreath, a tradition full of prophetic and eschatological significance surrounding

Jesus’ birth and second coming. Others join the Eastern Orthodox church practices by declaring a fast of meats and dairy, and in some days, abstaining from olive oil and fish.

I became particularly interested in the Advent candle and Advent wreath tradition when the senior pastor of Johnson’s Ferry Church, the Rev. Clay Smith, started preaching an Advent series on the first Sunday in December. Each Sunday has covered a theme connected to Christ’s birth: the Old Testament’s prophecies fulfilled in Christ, the significance of Mary’s submission to God, and, last week, the lessons learned from the shepherds who spread the news of his birth. Based on well-known passages in Scriptures, nevertheless, each sermon offered new principles to prepare our hearts to celebrate Christmas.

I have attended church in America for over 20 years but do not remember ever hearing about Advent celebrations. I honestly thought this was a long-lost tradition. Still, as I researched the Advent wreath tradition, in particular, I found out, to my surprise, that the modern church still observes it, particularly as the Roman rite of the Catholic Church. The significance and depth of each week’s theme during the advent observance is a beautiful expression of the many reasons we celebrate Jesus’ birth. And yet, it seems as if many Christians are not even aware of this tradition.

As I read about each theme, I could not help but think about the beauty and significance of the Christmas celebration and how easy it has become for believers to go through the motions of religion at Christmas, only for the sake of tradition.

We sing carols, but as we face hard times, we often forget that the prophesied Emmanuel (God with us) promised never to leave us or forsake us.

We sing carols, but as we face hard times, we often forget that the prophesied Emmanuel (God with us) promised never to leave us or forsake us. @AJC #MondayDevotional #advent #christmas2020
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We wrap gifts but soon neglect the original design of gift-giving at Christmas time: to give as an expression of worship to celebrate the Savior — the greatest Gift of all.

We celebrate the baby but often forget that the resurrected Christ called us to lead holy lives in preparation and anticipation of His return.

We wrap gifts but soon neglect the original design of gift-giving at Christmas time: to give as an expression of worship to celebrate the Savior — the greatest gift of all. @AJC #MondayDevotional #advent #christmas2020
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These concepts may not be popular. They may be controversial. Some believe them to be part of the most elaborate conspiracy in history. Others think it to be a fairy tale.

But to Christians around the world who have taken the time to study prophecy, history and who know the legitimacy of the Christmas celebration, we know better. For them, the advent season can serve as another stone used to reinforce the walls that must guard their hearts against apathy or the contempt that our beliefs often create among those who don’t share our faith.

During a most unusual Christmas season, when many families will be separated to protect loved ones from the spread of this dreadful virus, may we use these last days of Advent to remind our hearts that our Reason to rejoice remains the same.

And in the year that changed life as we knew it, this abiding truth should anchor troubled hearts: we may not be able to be together, but He, Emmanuel, is with us and also with our loved ones.

In the year that changed life as we knew it, this abiding truth should anchor troubled hearts: we may not be able to be together, but he, Emmanuel, is with us and also with our loved ones. @AJC #MondayDevotional #advent #christmas2020
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Indeed, even in the darkest times, we can joyfully celebrate — for the Hope for the world, Messiah, has come.

Merry Christmas to all!

This article was originally published in Patricia’s column for The Atlanta Journal-Constitution on Saturday, December 19, 2020. Click HERE to read it on the AJC’s website.

The post Advent Celebrations Reinforce Significance of Jesus’ Birth {The Atlanta Journal-Constitution} appeared first on Soaring With Him Ministries.

“Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Listen carefully, the virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and she will call his name Immanuel (God with us).” Isaiah 7:14 (AMP)

On the floor of my prayer closet, there lies a notebook that is precious to me. In it, I write prayer requests for various friends and relatives. I find it a joy and honor to touch Heaven on behalf of these dear brothers and sisters.

A couple struggling in their marriage…

A friend whose husband is battling cancer…

Friends who lost loved ones this year…

Faithful Christians who are going through unemployment… cancer… Moms whose hearts are broken because of prodigal sons and daughters, who chose to walk away from the Lord.

As I was thinking about the many trials these people face this Holiday season, my heart filled with gratitude for things that we normally take for granted: good health, a strong marriage, a roof over my head, children who love Jesus, food to eat every day, and the fact that, regardless of what is under the tree, we are all together.

That is the greatest gift to me this particular Christmas.

While praying about each one of these situations, Isaiah’s words came to my mind. I realized each one of these families had one thing in common, beyond their shared crisis this Christmas:

They know the Baby of Christmas.

They have Immanuel – God with Them. And, although amid their agony they may not always feel His presence, still, He is there.

God IS with each of them.

I know that, because one of His most repeated promises throughout Scriptures is “I’ll never leave you, nor forsake you.”

That’s the Immanuel promise.

When Isaiah prophesied the coming Messiah about 700 years before Jesus’ birth, God inspired Him with a Name that would become the answer, the only breath of fresh air during each hot valley we cross in life:

The promise that the Baby would become the Bridge that would cross the chasm between us and the Father… that He would die for our sins and resurrect from the dead… that He would ascend and send His Holy Spirit to dwell in all who called upon His Name, repented of their sins to be born again… (John 3:3)

That He would then become Immanuel – God with us – forever… and through it all. Not only at Christmas, but from January 1^st through December 31^st, every year, until the Father calls us home.

Isaiah called Him Immanuel - God with us - forever… and through it all. Not only at Christmas, but from January 1st through December 31st, every year. Always.with.us.
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The Answer.

The Comforter.

The Peace.

The One who understands your pain.

The True Gift of Christmas.

I have never had the disheartening experience of going through a major loss or crisis right before Christmas. I cannot imagine the pain, which has got to be intensified, because Christmas is naturally a time to celebrate, give and receive Joy.

It simply doesn’t go together, does it? Christmas and Pain… Christmas and Loss… Christmas and hopelessness.

It’s an impossible equation!

And yet so real to so many of you today.

It simply doesn’t go together, does it? Christmas and Pain… Christmas and Loss… Christmas and hopelessness. It’s an impossible equation!
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But I would like to invite you to meditate upon this truth today, and share it with those you love who are going through a crisis this Holiday Season:

That God’s promises never fail.

And if He said He would be Immanuel – then Immanuel He is!

That regardless of how dark your circumstances are this Christmas, this Truth forever remains:

That even though you may not feel His loving hand…

Even though the darkness around you hides the Light of His glory…

Even though there may not be Joy in your heart today…

You can trust this truth: HE.IS.WITH.YOU.

The Baby in the manger, the resurrected Lord, Immanuel … will walk you through the valley. Again.

His hands will never slip away. His ironclad grip will never let you go. Though darkness may surround you, His light shall pierce through… if not today, tomorrow. If not tomorrow, some day…

Grab a hold of this Truth, tired soul.

If there can’t be Joy, let there be Peace in your heart this Christmas… the peace of knowing that God is with you, personally, unconditionally… even in the darkest day.
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To fully know and trust the Emanuel Promise… That’s my Christmas wish for you.

(Dear blogger friends – Please know that we will not have Recharge Wednesday linkup again until January 2nd. Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year!)

LINKUP PARTY opens at 6 am EST!

Christian Bloggers, come share your Blog with our audience below:

1. Add your Link.

2. Visit the blogger before or after and encourage them with a comment.

3. Share on social media. Click below to share on Twitter that you are joining us! We would love to have you follow the ministry on Twitter and Facebook as well: Soaring with Him FB Page

Last LINKUP for the year! Today, Patricia shares a message for those who are hurting and mourning this #Christmas. Join us?
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The post Let There Be Christmas… Even in the Darkest Days {Recharge Wednesday} appeared first on Soaring With Him Ministries.