Synod Emphasis - December Advent: An Eager Expectation


Photo by Max Beck on Unsplash By Matthew Atteberry O


n the four Sundays leading up to Christmas, many congregations take part in Advent celebrations. Their sanctuaries often glisten with the soft light of a Chrismon tree or Advent wreaths. The Lord’s Day read-


ings, psalms, and hymns all revolve around a common theme. So, what is that emphasis? Well, the word Advent comes from the Latin term adventus, meaning arrival or appearance. And as Benjamin Shaw, Theology of Advent notes, “At the present, the focus of Advent observation is on preparation for Christmas and the celebration of the birth of Jesus.” - ecies found throughout the Old Testament about the coming Messiah. They study the events leading up to and including the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem. Churches may spend time considering the necessity of the incarnation and the  - derful discussions that need proper teaching and emphasis. Whether examina- tion of these biblical matters occurs during this time of year or at another, they are areas of understanding followers of Christ should desire to grow in by the work of the Holy Spirit. More confessional and reformed teaching on the person and work of Christ is most necessary when attacks on biblical orthodoxy seem to be lurking around every corner.


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     coming of our Savior, there is a need to keep God’s plan of redemption and the whole of Scripture in mind. Moderator Rev. David Walkup’s chal- lenge this year for the Synod is to “not shrink from declaring the whole  not want to lose sight of this great truth in anything we do in our fami- lies, local congregations, and beyond in the Associate Reformed Presbyte- rian Church.


Keeping that forefront, during this time we can recount Genesis 3:15, where it speaks of Christ’s coming in -            faith in him to come. We can look at


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