For most Americans, Christmas is a very special and festive time of year. It’s the number one gifts and shopping season of the year, a time where houses are decorated inside and out, and a time where families and close friends spend quality time together, all leading up to the apex day on December 25th. Today, much is associated with Christmas which has little to do with its origins: the birth of Jesus Christ. Historically, followers of Jesus Christ have celebrated not just the one day commemorating His birth but given an entire month to reflect on the significance and goodness of God coming to earth in Jesus called, “Advent."

The word "Advent" comes from the Latin word Adventus, which is a translation of the biblical Greek word parousia, meaning "coming" "arrival" or “appearing". Everything in Christianity is made possible by the Advent of Jesus Christ into the world as a little human baby.

In her book, "Theology of the Ordinary", Julie Canlis says this coming of God to us in Christ is, “God’s most fundamental blessing upon creation. In the incarnation, God took matter to Himself so that matter would forever be at home with God. In the body of a baby, the project of the new creation begins.” In Christian history, followers of Jesus have used four candles, lighting one for each week of Advent during times they set aside to seek God and reflect on the goodness of Him becoming human for us. Each week focuses on a different aspect of His coming.

This resource is meant to be a guide for you as an individual, with your significant other, and/or with your family during this Advent season. We encourage you to set aside some time to light the number of candles for each week and follow our Advent Guide. You can download our free PDF HERE or click this link: https://bit.ly/39zgs5B

- Pastor Lorenzo Elizondo