Tomorrow is the second Sunday of Advent. In the tradition where I worship Advent is not given emphasis in corporate worship other than the casual mention. In case you are reading this post here and don’t know the meaning of Advent here it is:

Advent is the beginning of the Church Year for most churches in the Western tradition. It begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas Day, which is the Sunday nearest November 30, and ends on Christmas Eve (Dec 24). If Christmas Eve is a Sunday, it is counted as the fourth Sunday of Advent, with Christmas Eve proper beginning at sundown.
The word Advent means "coming" or "arrival." The focus of the entire season is the celebration of the birth of Jesus the Christ in his First Advent, and the anticipation of the return of Christ the King in his Second Advent. Thus, Advent is far more than simply marking a 2,000 year old event in history. It is celebrating a truth about God, the revelation of God in Christ whereby all of creation might be reconciled to God.

You can see it in the eyes of children, they are waiting. The anticipation is about to get the best of them. The days of December seem to travel in slow motion. Now can we imagine the years of waiting the people of Israel endured waiting for their Messiah. During this 2009 Advent season we do not have to wait for the Messiah, we now are remembering the events that brought the gift of promise.

Today as I finish my preparation for tomorrow’s worship services I don’t have to wonder if a Savior will be sent from God;He is here “Emmanuel.” The promised gift is a reality. How are you preparing for worship tomorrow? How are you personally reflecting during this Advent season?