“Advent, (from Latin adventus, “coming”), in the Christian church calendar, the period of preparation for the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ at Christmas and also of preparation for the Second Coming of Christ. 

(https://www.britannica.com/editor/The-Editors-of-Encyclopaedia-Britannica/4419)

As the definition indicates, this is the period of 4 weeks before Christmas where Christians focus on preparing for the time of celebration of the birth of Christ. Typically, it is primarily a focus of remembering His birth in Bethlehem, over 2000 years ago, and the purpose for which He came (dying for our sins, and His resurrection).

But, this season is SO much more than just re-enacting the “Manger Scene” and the arrival of the shepherds and wise men to see the Baby Jesus: we need also to prepare our hearts and minds for His great and “glorious appearing” (Titus 2:13,    1 Thessalonians 4:17). At that moment, of which no one knows the day or hour, Christ will appear, and gather to Himself all those who have loved and believed in Him, so that we can ‘be with Him forever’!  This is also referred to as the “Rapture of the Church”.  “Church” refers to true believers in Him, not just those who have a membership or attend a service that is given the name of ‘Church’! 

**This is an important distinction, as there are those who believe that church attendance, giving money, having been baptized, etc. all give them a ‘ticket to heaven’.  That is a grievous error! “Not everyone who calls out to me, ‘Lord! Lord!’ will enter the Kingdom of Heaven. Only those who actually do the will of my Father in Heaven will enter.” (Matthew 7:21 NLT)

That verse is a serious warning, but, it is NOT about works and what we do to earn salvation, rather it is a free gift “For by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God, so that no one can boast.” (Ephesians 2: 8-9 NIV) The will of the Father is to believe in Him whom He sent. (John 6:29)

So, this is incredibly GOOD NEWS!  What the angels proclaimed to the shepherds at that first Christmas is still good news for us today, “Do not be afraid, I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah” (Luke 2: 10-11 NIV).  Jesus is alive and seeks us to follow Him, to do the will of the Father, so that when He appears and takes us to Himself, we can be with Him forever. When that happens, we will no longer be here on this earth (with His Holy Spirit in our hearts), but with Him in heaven.

The Bible warns about what is to come for those who do not believe.  After the “Rapture”, at some point there will be a time (7 years) of Great Tribulation. During this time, Satan and his servant will rule, and many horrendous events will happen on earth. (See Revelation, chapters 6-20) Those who are “left behind” will experience these things. Many will then turn to the Lord and seek His forgiveness, but there will still be many who refuse, and will be eternally separated from God!

Learn more about this at www.olivetreeviews.org (Jan Markel’s “Understanding the Times” programs),  www.beholdisrael.org  (Amir Tsarfati who has a wealth of knowledge and understanding), www.jackhibbs.com (Pr. Jack Hibbs, who gives so much truth and perspective with Biblical teaching). Please check these sites and learn so much more than can be written here.

“Now is the ‘day of salvation’…” (2 Corinthians 6:2b). Do not delay, but respond today to the Lord’s love and forgiveness, if you haven’t already! (John 3:16-17, Romans 10: 9-13)

Let this Advent season not only be a time when we decorate our homes, sing beautiful carols, and share gifts with those we love, but may it be a time when we truly prepare our hearts for HIS COMING!