Sunday, December 4th Federated Church of Kerhonkson celebrated the Second Sunday of Advent! Did you know that the word “advent” comes from the Latin word, “adventus” meaning “coming?” And “coming” is a translation of the Greek work “parousia” (the New Testament was originally written in Greek).

Historically, the duration of Advent lasted 40 days and included a time of fasting, praying, and repenting as new coverts to Christianity got ready for baptism dating as far back as the 4th century. Advent was not connected to the coming of Christ till the 6th century by the Roman Christians. Advent at this time was focused solely on Christ’s second coming. By the Middle Ages, Advent season was linked to Christ’s first coming (his birth) at Christmas.

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Our traditions and practices are ever evolving! Today, we recognize the Holiday season in conjunction of Advent beginning four Sundays prior to Christmas Day and ending on Christmas Eve. The new Christian year begins on Christmas Eve until Epiphany on January 6th; 12-day celebration of Christmastide.

The miracle of Christmas is embedded in the Advent season. It can be found between the fulfilled promise of Christ’s first coming (his birth) and yet-to-be fulfilled promise of his second coming. Karl Barth captures the essence of Advent beautifully when he said, “Unfulfilled and fulfilled promise are related to each other, as are dawn and sunrise. Both promise and in fact the same promise. If anywhere at all, then it is precisely in the light of the coming of Christ that faith has become Advent faith, the expectation of future revelation. But faith knows for whom and for what it is waiting. It is fulfilled faith because it lays hold on the fulfilled promise.”

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Christ has come and Christ will come again.

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Certified Lay Servant, Tammy Hasenflue, lighted the first and second Advent candles during worship service. Following the leading of the Holy Spirit, our message was about the significance of God fulfilling his prophecy told by Micah that Jesus would be born at Bethlehem and how this affected Mary and Joseph. The interruption of the Roman Emperor’s decree for census to be taken at birth places was orchestrated with divine intention. It was not ideal for Mary, who was close to giving birth, to travel which was probably an annoying interruption. BUT-sometimes God will orchestrate interrupts to lead us to where we are meant to be. And for us, especially during the Holiday season, the last thing we want are any interruptions to our busy schedules. If we open ourselves up to leading of the Holy Spirit we invite in blessings of God, which can come when we least expect it, when we are not ready for it, and when we preoccupied with worldly ways. If presented with an interruption this Holiday season, we encourage yo to allow God to accomplish His purpose through you for YOU. God fulfills His promises to us in ways in which we do not always expect. And we see this in Mary and Joseph's story.