Advent comes from the Latin adventus and the season is a look backward at Christ’s coming in history (as a baby), mystery (into our lives) and forward towards his coming in majesty (his return). We live in the shadows of Advent.

Fourth Sunday of Advent (12/21): Fuller Filling

Matthew tells us that Jesus was born in a certain way to “fulfill what had been spoken through the prophet.” What does Matthew mean by “fulfill?” Throughout Matthew’s Gospel, the idea of fulfillment refers to something happening again, in a new way, and with a deeper or fuller meaning. In this way, Jesus is a fuller-filling of the prophecy that God is with us. Immanuel.

The handout mentioned can be found here.

Third Sunday of Advent (12/14): Unraveling in Joy

On the Third Sunday of Advent, we are reminded of the inbreaking Joy that comes with Jesus. Sometimes, though, the work of Jesus disorients us, and in the unraveling of our lives, we are invited to look and listen to God

Second Sunday of Advent (12/7): Prepare the Way of the Lord Into Your Heart

Matthew summarizes John the Baptist’s ministry with “Prepare, the Kingdom of Heaven has come near,” and “he is the one crying out in the wilderness, ‘prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight.'” Repentance is the way we prepare our hearts for God’s inbreaking kingdom to come into our lives.

First Sunday of Advent (11/30): Active Hope

When Jesus speaks about his return, the image he uses can be confusing. Is he talking about what we often call a rapture? Why does he say stay awake? From this passage in Matthew 24, we find encouragement to be motivated by hope–by hope that God is moving in history and is active in our lives.