Advent

Advent (ad-vent) - noun 1: arrival that has been awaited (especially of something momentous)

In bed on Christmas Eve, I looked out the window, stared at the ceiling, and listened for activity outside my door. There was no way I could sleep. I had waited all year, and now the moment was only hours away. If I got out of bed, Santa would give my presents to someone else, so I remained tucked under the covers. That is, until my two older brothers who had no regard for the rules came to tell me we had hit the jackpot. Three bicycles! My long awaited dream had come true.

The Jews had a different dream, one of a promised Messiah who would be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace. Of his arrival, men prophesied, people prayed, and Satan trembled. The government was to rest upon his shoulders, and nothing would be the same. Generations passed, and people still waited, anticipating the day when our savior would be born. Finally, the moment came when angels sang, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.”

This year, we ministered to more than 800 students and adults. Many experienced the advent of Christ in their heart for the first time. The staff is thankful for what God has done and looks forward to even greater opportunities in 2007. People everywhere need an authentic encounter with God, and we want to do our part to make that happen.