The Final Season of the Year - 2006

 

  A few weeks ago, on Monday, November 20, the Armenian Church entered the final season of her liturgical year. This season is popularly known as Advent. Its Armenian title is Hisnagats, i.e. 50 days. It refers to the period that precedes the Feast of the Nativity and Birth of Jesus Christ.  As such this season is marked by a spirit of anticipation, hope and preparation. You can feel it in the air ... and in the traffic and the malls!

From a spiritual perspective, it is the season of anticipating good and yearning for the deliverance of this world from evil. It is a period of longing for justice and redemption by those who have experienced the injustice of this world, which remains under the curse of sin. It is the time to desire the Lord’s coming and to say Maranatha (1 Corinthians 16:22) Come Lord!

For us, Christians, Advent is a season of hope. We know that God can and will deliver us and redeem His creation. While celebrating the upcoming anniversary of Christ’s Birth, at the same time we wait with hope for His second coming to restore and redeem His creation.

Advent, thus, is the yearly journey that every Christian is invited to take. This is a journey of understanding God’s message of love and salvation “broadcasted” for the first time 2006 years ago through Christ’s birth; a message that will be fulfilled and executed completely through His second coming.

As we go through this annual journey, Advent therefore becomes a season of preparation as well. Did we get God’s message? Do we know what Jesus’ birth and preaching is all about? Finally, will He find a place for Him in our hearts, minds, souls, and … busy schedules? Remember, 2006 years ago, Bethlehem was too busy to welcome Him; only the wise men did. Wise men still seek and find the Lord.

I invite you during this holy season, as we approach the end of yet another year in our life and the dawn of a new year, to reflect upon the mystery of Christ’s coming to us, His Advent. His birth clearly confirms the biblical truth that God loves us and wants us to be with Him eternally. In return have we started our journey to meet him? This Advent season, in addition to worrying about your shopping journeys and the “holiday” traffic and the parking lots, please think of your life journey. Are you ready for Christ’s advent?

Have a Blessed Advent and Merry Christmas.

 

  In Christ’s Service
Advent, 2005

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