Advent

11 Dec Advent

This week’s blog has to be about Christmas-because it’s two weeks today!!! That’s why, as the title suggests, we’ll be looking at ADVENT. Other than describing a calendar you have at Christmas filled with chocolates, does anybody have any ideas what the word Advent actually means?

Advent is the period of time that spans the four Sundays leading up to Christmas Day. It actually originates from the word ‘Coming’. It is related to the coming of Jesus on earth, when he was born in Bethlehem. In fact it is the second two weeks of Advent when we are meant to remember this great event, the FIRST COMING OF CHRIST. It is the build up to celebrating Jesus’s birthday.

But there is more. Did you know that in the Bible it says that Jesus will one day return to the earth, but this time not as a baby but as a full grown man—the Lord of Lords! This is known as the SECOND COMING OF CHRIST and during the first two weeks of Advent we are encouraged to think about and look forward to this amazing event.

ADVENT is also about Waiting and Being Expectant.

Can I ask you then, as we wait for Christmas Day to come, what are you expecting? Why don’t you increase your expectations from last year – 2019? And I’m not just talking about presents. 2020 has definitely been a crazy time but who’s to say we can’t end it on a massive positive note. I’m expecting to have one of the best Christmases ever, because I’m a child of the God of the Impossible!

Please take the time to have a good look at this next verse. And as ADVENT draws closer to Christmas Day and the holiday season, take a leap of Faith and expect God to do great things in your life! Perhaps you could keep your ears and heart open, listen and tune into the voice of the Holy Spirit, because maybe God wants you to do something great for someone else during this season of Advent.

Now for some entertaining Christmas reflections for you from Elevation Youth!

Over the last few weeks SONG OF THE BLOG has featured tracks from Hillsong Young and Free’s latest album ALL OF MY BEST FRIENDS- However with Christmas coming we need to have a song that’s well Christmassy! This ones from MAVERICK CITY-O COME LET US ADORE HIM.

I love how worshipful this version of the carol is. In all the business of Christmas and Advent-don’t lose sight of the reason for the season-Jesus.

This week’s Team Talk on ADVENT is presented by……-NAOMI!

FRIDAY NIGHT YOUTH

Our next meeting (Years 7 to Year 13) will be December 18^th 7:30 pm-wait for it-AT THE CHURCH!!! If you need more details regarding this event, please contact the church office. You will need to register for it by Wednesday 16^th December, either by letting myself know or the office. Details will also be sent out this week to parents and carers. One of the prizes on the night will be for the funkiest face mask-so be prepared!!

RELENTLESS (Sixth form and Young Adults)

The next meeting will be on December 21^st. Naomi will be contacting the group directly.

So have another good fortnight everyone, Christmas is coming-and I really hope to see you at our CHRISTMAS FUN FILLED EVENING on the 18^th Dec!!

Claire and the VCC Youth Team