Special words to know

Christmas, baby, stable and manger,

shepherds, angels…

All of these are words or terms you probably know.  We use them often during the month of December when we celebrate the birth of Jesus.  The story about Jesus coming as a baby is one we all love and cherish because we know it means the Savior of the world has come!

I wonder if you know these special words that you might hear during this time of year?

Advent- means the arrival of something.  For Christians we take a month to celebrate that Christmas is coming.  Just as God’s people waited many years for him to be born, we take time to remember that time of waiting in the weeks before December 25.

Messiah- the promised deliverer or Savior.  This is JESUS!

Noel- is a word from Latin and French that means to be born.  People in France say Joyeux Noel!  (joyous birth!) in the same way we say Merry Christmas! 

Epiphany- the revelation of God to the Gentiles.  This revelation first happened when the Wise Men came to visited Jesus.  These special visitors were not from the lineage of Israel but were outside the Jewish faith. Often people in the Christian faith celebrate Epiphany on January 6.

All these words may be new to you, but they are not new to the church!  For two thousand years the followers of Jesus have celebrated the birth of Jesus and have come to know and love these unusual words and what they mean to us at Christmas! So when you hear them during this special time of year, you'll love them too! 🎄

With love this Advent Season! Mrs. Bess