Introduction
The word 'Advent' according to The Oxford English Dictionary is ‘The arrival of a notable person or thing’. It stems from the Latin root, Adventus, which means ‘arrival’ through its root from the word advenire whereby ad – ‘to’ and venire – ‘come’.
For Christians, this arrival is symbolic of the coming of Christ to the world in the form of man, and so the period of Advent marks the patient and expectant build-up to this special moment.
Advent is a time of anticipation and preparation in the Christian liturgical calendar, as believers eagerly await the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ at Christmas. It is a time of reflection, prayer, and hope as Christians remember the incarnation of God's love into the world.
The season of Advent is often observed with the lighting of candles on an Advent wreath, with each candle representing different aspects of the Advent journey: hope, peace, joy, and love. These candles serve as a visual reminder of the spiritual themes of Advent and the coming of Christ into the world
ADVENT AND THE HOLY SPIRIT
During Advent, Christians also reflect on the coming of the Holy Spirit, who played a pivotal role in the birth of Jesus and continues to empower and guide believers today. The Holy Spirit is often associated with the gifts of the spirit, which are described in the Bible as wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord.
The gifts of the Holy Spirit are seen as essential for living a life of faith and service, as they equip believers with the spiritual resources they need to navigate life's challenges and to live out their calling as followers of Christ. These gifts enable believers to discern God's will, to act with courage and strength, and to serve others with compassion and wisdom.
In the context of Advent, the gift of the Holy Spirit is a reminder of God's presence and guidance in the midst of the waiting and anticipation. It is a source of comfort and strength for believers as they prepare their hearts and minds for the celebration of Christ's birth and as they navigate the challenges and uncertainties of life.
The Holy Spirit also reminds Christians of the ongoing work of God in the world, as it continues to empower and inspire believers to participate in God's mission of love and redemption. It is a reminder of the transformative power of God's spirit at work in the world, bringing healing, reconciliation, and hope to all creation
During Advent, as believers prepare for the arrival of Christ, they also open themselves to the work of the Holy Spirit in their lives, inviting the spirit to guide, shape, and empower them for the journey ahead. Through prayer, reflection, and spiritual practices, believers seek to cultivate a deeper awareness of the Holy Spirit's presence and an openness to its transforming work.
The gift of the Holy Spirit during Advent is a reminder that God is with us, guiding us, sustaining us, and empowering us to live as faithful witnesses to the love and grace of God. It is a source of hope and encouragement as believers wait for the coming of Christ and as they seek to live out their faith in the world.
Conclusion
Ultimately, Advent is a time to prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ, and the gift of the Holy Spirit is an integral part of that preparation. It is a reminder that God is actively at work in our lives and in the world, and it is an invitation to open ourselve. Therefore we can't talk about Advent without mentioning the gilft of the Holy Spirit since the incarnate God who is the second person in the trinitarian formular has to be born and without the coming of Christ then the promised and the prophecy won’t come to pass. The coming of Jesus Christ is to fulfil the word spoke to the mouth of the prophet and was fulfilled by Jesus. During his final stay on earth before his accession he promised to send the paraclete which is the Holy Spirit. So when we prepare to welcome Christ, we prepare to welcome the Holy spirit a
nd it’s gift.
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