Now it's all about Pinterest-worthy DIY creations,
branded, high-end productions,
and hipster craft beer selections.

What are we celebrating anyway?

Advent is about much more than just counting down the days to Christmas.
In fact, as Mike Frost clearly explains, there is much more to it than that (read his excellent blog here).

Advent, a season that begun yesterday, didn’t traditionally have much to do with Christmas at all!
It was a season of preparation...
                          but preparation for baptism!

Last night we celebrated as 6 people from our church, aged between 10 and 50, took the plunge (literally) into the waters of baptism.



In so doing, they captured the real heart of advent -
it's not about chocolate, cosmetics or craft beer
but rather a commitment of faith.

We remember Jesus' coming,
we participate in the life he gives,
and we live in eager anticipation of his return.

In the waters of baptism, the old life is washed away
and the stain of sin is removed.
As we rise from the water, we are lifted into new life
and we will never be the same.

Now that's an advent worth celebrating!