A Reflection for the Season of Advent 2023 - The Rt. Rev. Deon K. Johnson

The Season of Advent calls the church to a time of intentional hope and longing as we await the incarnation of Jesus at Christmas. The word Advent comes from the Latin adventus which means, "coming," "arrival," or "visit". Advent begins four Sundays before Christmas and ends on Christmas Eve. For Christians Advent is the beginning of the liturgical year. During Advent, we prepare for and anticipate the coming of Christ. We remember the longing of our Jewish ancestors for a Messiah and our own longing for, and need of, forgiveness, salvation, and a new beginning.

The focus of the season is the spiritual and practical anticipation and preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus. This season, with its long nights and short days, holds the desires and yearnings for deliverance from the evils of the world, first expressed by Israelite slaves in Egypt as they cried out from their bitter oppression. It is the cry of those who have experienced the tyranny of injustice in a world under the curse of sin, and yet who have hope of deliverance by a God who has heard the cries of oppressed and brought deliverance!

It is a seeking after hope, however faint at times, that accompanies us through the Season of Advent. Our joyful anticipation of the coming of the Christ Child who will bring a reign of truth, justice, and righteousness is the focus of this season.

Follow the daily reflections: https://www.diocesemo.org/advent-2023/