Kirk Reflections 11th December 2022.

Rev. Erick du Toit brings our weekly reflections from Kirkliston Parish Church, Scotland.

Advent: Peace, Hope, Joy, Love.

What’s the deal with Advent anyway? It’s thought that the rhythm of marking this season began as fourth-century European Christians put their spin on the early church’s tradition of encouraging new converts to spend time preparing for baptism. Taking its name from the Latin adventus, meaning “coming” or “arrival” (itself derived from the Greek parousia), this preparation season matched that of the traditional time of Lent, which led to Easter baptisms. It was an opportunity for new Christians to both look back to the long-foretold first coming of the Messiah, and in turn to learn to look forward to his coming again.

Today many mark Advent from the fourth Sunday before Christmas Day, after which the celebration of the Incarnation, the “12 days of Christmas,” occurs. We hunger and then we feast. Of course, the concept of marking a “Christian year,” weaving Christmas, Easter, and Pentecost into an annual calendar, isn’t commanded in the Bible. Yet many churches and denominations have found it a helpful way to engage in the various theological emphases of those historical events, and to see them as part of one narrative that shapes our collective lives.

Join us over the next few weeks as we dive into Scripture passages that speak of Peace, Hope, Joy and Love - all are welcome, always.