First Sunday of Advent

Dear Friends,

Advent is a time to return to the basics of our faith, a season of waiting and preparation that invites us to refocus on what truly matters. It’s an opportunity to grow in our desire for the Lord in our lives, to long for Him with the same fervor expressed in the beloved hymn O Come, O Come Emmanuel. As we sing this hymn throughout Advent, its words resonate deeply, reminding us of our need for Jesus—not just as a distant figure but as the Savior who comes to transform our lives and redeem us.

In our day-to-day struggles, we often fall into the trap of self-reliance. We think: “I can fix my problems. I can improve the economy, resolve my family conflicts, or overcome my weaknesses.” This mindset subtly convinces us that we can save ourselves. Yet this attitude is fundamentally contrary to the Christian understanding of life. The reality is that the challenges we face—whether external or internal—cannot be solved by human effort alone. The core of our brokenness requires something greater: Grace. We need a Savior! We need Jesus!

Advent is a time to acknowledge this truth and to pay attention to the work of Grace in our lives. It is a season to recognize our limitations and see how profoundly we need Jesus to enter into our lives. In admitting our need, we open our hearts to the transformative power of Christ. This Advent, let us embrace the longing expressed in O Come, O Come Emmanuel and invite the Lord to be not just the Savior of the world but the Savior of our own lives. And so, throughout this season of Advent, let our prayer be, "O Come, O Come Emmanuel."

-Thibault Vincent, SCV