Advent: Waiting in the joyful hope of the coming of the Savior

by John Hawkins news@thecherokeean.com

Last Sunday, Nov. 29, marked the beginning of the Advent season for Christians. Advent – translated from Latin as “coming” – refers to the period in which we prepare for the coming of Jesus into the world. Christians use the four Sundays and weeks of Advent to prepare and remember the real meaning of Christmas.

This year has obviously been a most unusual period in our history: We see divisions in religion, race, injustice, economics and politics on almost every level. We see a pandemic ravaging the world and destroying not only lives, but also families, jobs and futures.

Advent should mark a time for hope among, not only Christians, but also the world as a whole, regardless of your beliefs.

Hope for a better future. Hope that we will be OK.

In my opinion, the entire Christian faith is based on one of the most revered passages in the Bible: “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)

Advent is a time for us to embrace that love that God has given us.

While it might be difficult in the midst of holiday celebrations, shopping, lights and joyful carols, we must remember the reason for the season. We can never forget why we celebrate, why we hope, why we wait. Advent is intended to be a season of reflecting on the violence and evil in the world, and for us to cry out to God to make things right.

It’s also a time for us to pray for the Holy Spirit to renew His work in conforming us into the image of Jesus.

I encourage you, if you haven’t been to a church service, or haven’t asked God for help, that you do so today. More than almost any time in history, we need that hope.

I’ll leave you with one thought: If God were looking down on us right now, what do you think he’d see? Do think he’d be pleased?

In addition to serving as general manager of The Cherokeean Herald newspaper, the Rev. John Hawkins is pastor of Dialville Methodist Church in Cherokee County.