Advent and Scripture

Advent is the word used to translate the Greek word parousia.  Adventus, the Latin term originated in the Latin translation of the Bible by St. Jerome called the Vulgate.  The original Greek word is found in the New Testament numerous times and holds connotations of the word "coming." It usually means Jesus is coming (at Christmas) or Jesus is coming (at the end times). 

The Church includes Advent as a separate season; a season of preparation and patience.  We are in the time of "already" and "not yet," meaning Christ "already" became Incarnate in the person Jesus and "not yet" meaning Christ is still to come at the end of time.  As we read the Scripture, the Old Testament is written in a time of all "not yet."  These Scriptures detail God's movement and presence in ancient Israel and lays the foundation for a God to become Incarnate.  As you read the Old Testament, live into the "not yet."  Christ is still to come and these words help us prepare the way for God's coming.

The New Testament, especially our Gospels, describes the time when Christ is present! When Christ came in a particular moment in time.  We do not know if Christ will take the same form of a middle eastern man again, but we do know that Christ will come again.  Read these texts with the joy of a Christ who is present and as a way to prepare for Christ to come again.

Entering Scriptures allows us to partake in the anticipation, the excitement of God who has come, is present, and will come again.  This Advent season continue in this exercise of reading the Bible daily in fellowship with about 50 other people.  Christ is present.