December marks the beginning of the church year, also known as the Advent season. The word “Advent” is derived from the Latin word “adventus,” which means “arrival” or “coming.” This is why during Advent, we celebrate the coming of Jesus Christ in the flesh. The church year thus begins where Jesus’ earthly life began — in the Old Testament prophecies of his incarnation.
Advent specifically focuses on Christ’s coming, but it’s important to remember Christ’s coming in three ways — past, present and future. We often think of Christ’s coming in one of two ways — either as His birth on Christmas, or looking ahead to the promise of His second coming. But it is important that we remember the promise that He is here with us still today, in the present.
As Christians, we gather together at church each and every week, and it is there that Christ meets us. He speaks to us through His Word. He offers forgiveness of sins to those who place their faith and trust in Him. And He comforts us with His peace, which surpasses all understanding. Each and every week.
Each Christmas, we celebrate the miraculous birth of our Savior that occurred over two millennia ago. As the Apostle John writes in John 1:14, “the Word was made flesh and dwelt among us.” To put it another way, God’s Word was embodied. Yes, Jesus Christ, the Creator of the universe, assumed human nature in the womb of the virgin Mary.
It is here in John’s Gospel where we see the two natures of Christ — the divine and the human — inseparably joined into one person. There is one Christ, who is both true God and true man. By taking on the human flesh, God the Son came into the very world He created and brought with Him the greatest gifts you and I could ever receive on Christmas. He suffered the penalty that we all deserve so that those who place their faith and trust in Him can receive everlasting life with Him in Heaven.
As we gather together in our churches throughout this Advent and Christmas season, have confidence knowing that Christ is still with us today, just as He has promised. “Surely I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” — Matthew 28:20. This is our hope and joy.
We welcome you to join us this Christmas season as we gather to praise our Savior, who will come to us on Sunday as truly as He came to earth on that first Christmas.
Jeff Shackelford is a member of Zion Lutheran Church in Poplar Bluff. For more information about Zion Lutheran Church, visit zionpb.org.