牧者心聲
將臨期：盼望中預備
林道川牧師
2022 年 11 月 26 日 / 27 日
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許多教會都根據教會年曆（Church Year），圍繞耶穌基督的事蹟，年復一年地規劃崇拜和個人的靈修與讀經生活，以推動信徒記念和重新經歷耶穌基督的救贖恩情，在日常生活中更深「與主結連」。而將臨期（Advent，意即「來臨」）乃教會年曆中第一個節期，是預備人心儆候主耶穌降生（第一次來臨，First Advent）的「準備期」、以及期盼基督再臨（第二次來臨，Second Advent）的「等待期」。因此將臨期除了是記念耶穌的降生，也提醒我們預備自己迎見主面。
將臨期由聖誕節前四週主日開始，直到聖誕夜結束。期間，有些教會將依照傳統擺飾一個「將臨花環」來引導信徒。花環裡面有三枝紫色、一枝粉紅色和一枝白色蠟燭，教會在每個主日會點燃一支蠟燭（第一、二和四主日點燃紫色蠟燭，而第三週點燃粉紅色蠟燭），表示基督到來的日子已經越來越近。到了平安夜，教會點燃「將臨花環」中心的白色大蠟燭，代表耶穌（世界的光）已來到我們中間。燭光象徵基督的光，光來到世界，驅散黑暗，照耀所有「坐在黑暗中死蔭裡的人」（路一 79）。
教會傳統為將臨期四個主日設立以下主題（不同傳統略有不同），引導信徒準備好自己，而北宣家會用四次教會祈禱會帶出其中的意義：第一主日是「醒悟」，因為不知基督甚麼時候來到，所以我們要常作準備，透過省察自己的生活及行為，看看有沒有做得不對或得罪神的地方；第二主日是「悔改」，當我們明白了自己的過失，便要誠心向神懺悔改過，積極改善自己與整頓偏離正軌的生活；第三主日是「喜樂」，喜樂除了是因為經歷了主耶穌為我們而生，叫我們從罪中得釋放，也提醒我們是生活在「主已臨近了」的好消息中，該以喜樂、期待的心迎接耶穌的到來；第四主日是「愛和光明」（以馬內利），我們要懷著歡欣喜悅的心情迎接耶穌基督的降生，祂為我們帶來了愛和光明，我們也要思想在生活的處境裡，踐行上主的心意，為世界帶來愛和光明。
將臨期不但代表著信仰的意義與傳統文化，也是屬靈生命的預備。信徒透過檢視自己的生命經歷自潔，並敬虔地等候基督的再臨。將臨期也幫助我們聚焦在基督降世的救贖工作，再次領受和參與救主的救贖工程，為這是非顛倒、黑白不分的世代帶來信心、盼望與仁愛。願今年的將臨期成為你遇見恩主、與祂更深結連、更新委身的時刻。
Year after year, many churches plan worship services, personal devotionals and Bible reading according to the Church Year and the deeds of Jesus Christ on earth to help believers remember and relive the experience of the saving grace of Jesus Christ and "connect with the Lord" more deeply in daily life. Advent (meaning "coming") is the first festival of the church year. It is a "preparation period" to prepare hearts in anticipation of the birth of the Lord Jesus (First Advent). It is also a "waiting period" as we look forward to His second coming (Second Advent). Therefore, in addition to remembering the birth of Jesus, Advent also reminds us to prepare ourselves to meet the Lord.
Advent starts on the fourth Sunday before Christmas and ends on Christmas Eve. During Advent, some churches put up an "Advent Wreath" in accordance with tradition to guide believers. The wreath has three purple candles, one pink candle and one white candle. The church would light one candle each Sunday (the purple candles would be lit on the first, second and fourth Sundays and the pink candle on the third Sunday). This is to signify that the return of Christ is getting closer and closer. On Christmas Eve, the church would light the big white candle in the middle of the wreath, signifying that Jesus (the light of the world) has come to us. The light of the candle symbolizes the light of Christ. The light comes to the world, dispels darkness and shines on "those living in darkness and in the shadow of death” (Luke 1:79).
Traditionally, the church designates four themes for the four Sundays in Advent (which vary slightly among different traditions) to guide believers to prepare themselves. The theme for the first Sunday is "Awakening." This is because nobody knows when Christ will return. We must always be prepared, reflect on our lives and deeds to see if we have done anything wrong or trespassed against God. The second Sunday would be themed "Repentance." When we understand our trespasses, we should sincerely repent to God and rectify the wrong, actively improve ourselves and regulate the part of our life that is off-track. The third Sunday is "Joy." We rejoice not just because we have experienced the birth of Christ for our sake so we are freed from sin, but also because we are living with the good news that "the Lord is near" and so we should await His return with hearts of joy and eager expectation. The fourth Sunday is "Love and Light." We welcome the birth of Jesus Christ with joy and delight. He has brought us love and light. We should also give thoughts to practicing the will of the LORD in our daily lives, to bring love and light to the world.
Advent says a lot about the meaning of faith as well as tradition and culture. It also prepares our spiritual lives. Through reflection on our lives, believers engage in purification of the self and wait devoutly for the return of Christ. Advent also helps us focus on the work of salvation of Christ’s coming, so we can once again receive and take part in the Savior’s redemption work to bring faith, hope and lovingkindness to this era when truth is distorted and black and white is confused. May this Advent be a time you will encounter the gracious Lord, connect with Him more deeply and renew your commitment to Him.
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