I grew up in the Methodist tradition and, to be honest, it is still my preferred way to worship. There is something about the “method” behind the worship that speaks to my heart and helps me find both comfort and strength. One of the commonalities Methodism has to other denominations is its connection to the liturgical calendar. In just a few days, we will celebrate the beginning of Advent. Last year, I did a daily devotional for Advent (and, honestly, I’m looking forward to doing that again this year). Through that process, I was surprised to discover how many people near to me did not know what Advent was. For me, it’s part of my year. For others, it is a strange and unusual part of the Holiday season. So what is Advent?

The word “Advent” means to prepare. Specifically, it means to prepare for a king. Advent is celebrated the four Sundays, and subsequently the weeks in between, prior to Christmas. This year, Advent begins on December 1st, although it can begin as early as the end of November, or as late as December 6th. So those National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation Advent calendars will be accurate this year. (LOL!)

The four Sundays of Advent each have a focus. The first Sunday is the Sunday of Hope. We find hope in the first coming of Jesus with his birth in Bethlehem, and we continue to find Hope in our faith that, when we die, we will be reunited with Him in heaven. The second Sunday is Peace. Jesus is the Prince of Peace. We find peace in our walk with Him in spite of the turmoil the world offers. The third Sunday is Joy. The shepherds demonstrated joy at hearing the Lord was born in nearby Bethlehem. We find joy in the Lord as we walk daily in obedience to Him.

And finally, the fourth Sunday is the Sunday of Love. John 3:16 shares “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whosoever believes in him shall not perish, but have everlasting life”. This point of this type of love is that you are loved so deeply, so perfectly, that God is willing to go to any lengths to be in relationship with you. It’s not about eternity. It’s about right now! God wants to walk in relationship with you right now. He wants to share your life right now. You don’t have to wait until you clean your life up. You don’t have to wait until you are no longer doing the “bad” things that make you not want to be around other believers. Let me tell you, believers are just as sinful. We all have our battles. The difference is we allow God to guide us and we repent when we discover sin in our life.

Churches are not filled with perfect people. Truth? Churches are filled with “church folk” and believers. Yes, there is a difference. Someday, I’ll walk you through that if you don’t know how to spot the difference. Churches are hospitals for the brokenhearted, for the lost, for the hurting, for the sick, for the sinner. We all are in need of a Savior. There are many out there that will not enter a church because the “church folk” caused them harm. This Advent, I pray for those who are hurting. I pray for those that are lost. I pray for those that have some block to entering a church. If that is you, I challenge you to try church during Advent, this new beginning. Need help finding a local body that would connect with you? I’ll help you. I’ll show you how to discern where to attend. If the first one isn’t right, try another one.

If you have never experienced Advent before, let me invite you to come participate in some of the local celebrations. If you are local to Henderson, Texas there is a musical event that is a great introduction to Advent occurring on December 2nd at the Henderson Methodist Church. We will start at 6:15pm. Many churches all around the world will have similar events. Google is a great help in finding these events. Check it out for yourself. You’ll be blessed.

As we enter this Advent season, I pray for blessing on you all.

Happy Advent!