Colossians 1:28-29

The birth of Jesus signifies God’s presence among mankind. His name, Emmanuel.

Colossians 1:28-29
“He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me.”

December 1, 2024, marks the First Sunday of Advent, a season dedicated to preparing for the birth of Christ. As one of the most significant periods in the church calendar, Advent commemorates a time of waiting and preparation before Christmas. It also signifies the beginning of the Church’s “New Year”. With grateful hearts, believers reflect on the incarnation of Jesus Christ over 2,000 years ago when God initiated His plan of redemption for mankind. As the mediator between God and mankind, Jesus enables reconciliation for all who believe He is the Son of God, whose shed blood on the cross brings forgiveness.

“He is the one we proclaim, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone fully mature in Christ. To this end I strenuously contend with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me.” (Col 1:28-29)

The birth of Jesus signifies God’s presence among mankind. His name, Emmanuel, means “God with us”. As Advent begins, the Church reflects on its four themes: Watchfulness, Repentance, Joy, and Peace.
As Christmas approaches, festive joy fills the air with decorations, gifts, and celebratory feasts. People often seek satisfaction and happiness in these activities, yet many fail to grasp the true meaning of Christmas. Even Christians can become preoccupied with organising church celebrations or adopting secular customs, neglecting the profound significance of Christ’s birth.
The Church Year’s Advent season urges believers to reflect and ponder the true meaning of salvation through its four themes:
1. Reflect on Christ’s work: From His birth and life to His sacrificial love, resurrection, and second coming, believers are called to draw closer to Jesus Christ through Scripture reading, prayer, daily devotion, meditation, and worship. By reflecting on His boundless love, we prepare our hearts for His return. This involves practicing patience and godliness, seeking spiritual renewal, and joyfully anticipating Christ’s glorious second coming.
2. Share the Good News: Christians are urgently called to share the message of salvation with all nations and peoples. Advent reminds us to focus on Christ’s birth, recalibrate our priorities, and revisit the ultimate purpose of our Christian lives. It calls for a vigilant heart as we await the Lord’s second coming.
The liturgical color of this season is purple, symbolising repentance, watchfulness, and preparation. Purple also represents royalty, signifying the arrival of the King.