What is Advent Christmas ?

Dr. Thamsing Lamkang *

'Advent Christmas' or 'Pre-Christmas' simply means 'waiting or expecting' by 'preparing ourselves'. It is very important to have Advent to remind ourselves about the 'First Coming' of Jesus, and to prepare ourselves for the 'Second Coming' of Jesus!

The 'Ancient Romans' had a god called 'Janus'. It is from this name the month January was derived. He is depicted in art as having a head with two faces. One face looks backward, the other forward. So, the Christmas season called Advent derived from this name. "It looks backward to the first coming of Jesus into history, also to look forward to Jesus' Second Coming at the end of world history."

In the history of Rome, the Emperors were treated as the greatest, especially, after they defeated their enemies. As the news spread across their kingdom, there will be celebrations everywhere, in their homes and on the streets. The Romans came from far and near to welcome and celebrate their great Emperor. The preparations and celebrations will continue till he arrived, and then, it's over.

The news of US President, Obama's coming to India was announced months ahead, because he is the most powerful man. Since then, the preparation begins. Many officials both from US and the Indian government prepared to make his visit a smooth and historic one. The people involved in the preparations are the most trusted and intelligent ones.

What about the coming of Jesus? If you think you're important in the sight of God, yes you are. If so, you know what you'll do in preparations to the first coming of Jesus. I am not referring to worldly things but of the things what money can't afford to buy. Such as; salvation (born again), love, forgiveness, build or restore the broken relationships in the family, friends and neighbors etc.

The coming of Jesus was foretold by so many prophets for thousand of years, whereas, there was neither preparation nor celebration except to whom God favors. But the preparations and celebrations are more evident today than His first coming, because 'He Lives'. Our God (Jesus) is very much alive that all men have seen and experienced His living power in their life.

WHEN IS ADVENT CHRISTMAS

In my opinion, Advent can be on any day before the Christmas Eve. In some countries, people celebrate Advent on the first Sunday of December while others on 5th December. But most people celebrate Advent on their convenient day before the Christmas. It all depends on your conviction of how you're preparing to celebrate Christmas. The day isn't important but what matter is your heart.

'ADVENT' IS A SPIRITUAL PREPARATION

'Advent Christmas' is mainly for the 'spiritual preparation'; in preparation of your heart and your life to meet Jesus. 'Repentance' means confession of your sins to accept Jesus as your personal Savior. Forgiving one another as Christmas is a time to love and forgive others, because Jesus proved His divine loved to men. As you prepare yourself why don't you begin to pray so that the birth of Jesus will make a big difference in your life this Christmas!!

IS ADVENT CHRISTMAS IMPORTANT

Advent is very important for many reasons. But many churches give least importance to 'Advent Christmas' and straight away celebrate Christmas. However, one big question is that, Is Christ really the centered of your celebration?

My marriage was a blessed one because of the well preparedness ahead. The actual blessing program lasted just for an hour, but the preparations involved year and months with great efforts. For many reasons preparation are more important then the real day.

FIND GOD'S FAVORS

The People who heard the proclamation thinks if that 'Messiah' be born in our family. Every Hebrew woman's intention was, if that lucky woman be me? But God choose (Mary) the least and a humble woman to become the 'Mother of Jesus'.

The priest named 'Zacharias' and His wife 'Elizabeth' find God's favors because they both were 'blameless and righteous' before God. Zacharias heard his wife Elizabeth will bear a son, and shall call his name 'John'. He will turn many children of Israel to the Lord. However, Zacharias did not believe because they were advanced in years Luke 1: 1-20.

Joseph and Mary find favors in the sight of God. "Rejoiced, highly favored one, the Lord is with you; blessed are you among women!" Luke 1: 27-28.

When Mary was troubled at his saying, what manner of greeting this was? The angels said "Do not be afraid Mary, for you have found favor with God". And behold "you will conceived in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus". "He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Highest; and the Lord will give Him the throne of His father David. He will reign forever, and of His Kingdom there will be no ends" Luke 1: 32-33, Isaiah 9:6.

When Mary doubted, I never know a man, the angels said to her, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Highest will overshadow you. Therefore also, that Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God" Luke 1: 35 As you prepare for the Christmas, encourage yourself that everything is possible because, "For with God nothing will be impossible" Luke 1: 37.

Can we seek the Lord as you prepare yourselves to find God's favor? God bless you in all your Preparations and celebrations!

(This article is extracted from the book "WHY CHRISTMAS" Author by Dr. Thamsing Lamkang)