While Advent is generally a season of anticipation and excitement leading up to the birth of Jesus, in past centuries it was also a period of fasting and preparation for new Christians who were to be baptized at the Epiphany. For Christians today, Advent is still meant to be an opportunity to not only get ready to celebrate Jesus’ coming to earth as a baby, but to also prepare for His second coming.
So in the midst of your holiday preparations, take some time out to consider what this season is all about — hope, light piercing through darkness, and the eternal life that awaits all those who love God. To help bring these themes to mind, we looked to Scripture, beloved religious figures, and some great modern wordsmiths to help put into words the power of Advent.
And today we celebrate...