Advent Day 1- Nov 27, 2011 Sunday

We start the Advent season of the church today. I am Pentecostal, Assembly of God, and my fellowship sometimes misses some of the beauty of Advent. But Advent is a sacred season of the church where we prepare our hearts for the coming of Messiah. Advent actually means, "coming". During this season we think back to the coming of Jesus as a baby, God incarnate, God in the flesh. We also look forward to the second coming of Jesus, the blessed hope. One of the ways we do this is by reflecting on Scripture about the first and second comings of our Lord and Savior Jesus Messiah. I will try and put a daily Advent Scripture up during this season to help us prepare our hearts as a church.

Luke 21:5-19
5 Some of his disciples were remarking about how the temple was adorned with beautiful stones and with gifts dedicated to God. But Jesus said, 6 “As for what you see here, the time will come when not one stone will be left on another; every one of them will be thrown down.” 7 “Teacher,” they asked, “when will these things happen? And what will be the sign that they are about to take place?” 8 He replied: “Watch out that you are not deceived. For many will come in my name, claiming, ‘I am he,’ and, ‘The time is near.’ Do not follow them. 9 When you hear of wars and revolutions, do not be frightened. These things must happen first, but the end will not come right away.” 10 Then he said to them: “Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. 11 There will be great earthquakes, famines and pestilences in various places, and fearful events and great signs from heaven. 12 “But before all this, they will lay hands on you and persecute you. They will deliver you to synagogues and prisons, and you will be brought before kings and governors, and all on account of my name. 13 This will result in your being witnesses to them. 14 But make up your mind not to worry beforehand how you will defend yourselves. 15 For I will give you words and wisdom that none of your adversaries will be able to resist or contradict. 16 You will be betrayed even by parents, brothers, relatives and friends, and they will put some of you to death. 17 All men will hate you because of me. 18 But not a hair of your head will perish. 19 By standing firm you will gain life.

Merry Christmas