It's Greek to me

I can't tell you how sorry I am that I didn't grow up with an Advent calendar! Every day, from around the 27 of November (or 1 December) to the 24th of December children would wake up to open a small 'door' on their Advent calendars to find a piece of chocolate. It might be a great for children, but as a parent I can assure you that it's no fun trying to contain hyper kids before you had your first cup of coffee!

Except for the chocolate, Advent actually comes from the Latin word 'adventus' which the Romans used to speak of the 'visit' or 'coming' of an important dignitary. The equivalent in Greek, the language of the Bible's New Testament is the term 'parousia' (it is used 24 times in the New Testament). This 'visit' or 'coming' of an important dignitary isn't simply a note in the diary but it is already having a significant impact on a town or village before this person comes - things are prepared, the place is cleaned up, even painted while flags and banners are hanged. In a similar way Jesus' 'parousia' or coming is supposed to have an effect on believers before it happens.

Bible
"But the day of the Lord will come like a thief. The heavens will disappear with a roar; the elements will be destroyed by fire, and the earth and everything in it will be laid bare.
Since everything will be destroyed in this way, what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives as you look forward to the day of God and eagerly wait for the day of the Lord to come." 2 Peter 3:10

Prayer
Lord Jesus Christ, the thought of your coming fills us with both fear and joy. Finally the waiting will be over and we will be in your presence. Please help us to prepare our lives for the day. Continue to transform us through your Spirit to be holy and godly - actively waiting for your return. Amen

Warm Regards
Kruger