Advent, Coming to Serve

updated November 24, 2025

The Advent season is a four-week period before Christmas that celebrates the anticipation and coming of Jesus Christ, the Messiah. The origin of “advent” is from the Latin word adventus, which simply translates as “coming” or “arrival.”

“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

MARK 10:45, ESV

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Frederick Buechner

Frederick Buechner (pronounced BEEK-ner) was an American writer and theologian. He wrote thirty-nine published books as an essential source of inspiration and learning for many readers.

His work encompasses many genres, including fiction, autobiography, essays, sermons, and other nonfiction. Buechner’s writing has often been praised for inspiring readers to see the grace in their daily lives. He was 96 years old when he died in 2022.

A Crazy, Holy Grace: The Healing Power of Pain and Memory

“Frederick Buechner has grappled with the nature of pain, grief, and grace ever since his father committed suicide when Buechner was a young boy. He continued that search as a father when his daughter struggled with anorexia.

In this essential collection of essays, including one never before published, Frederick Buechner finds that the God who might seem so silent is ever near. He writes about what it means to be a steward of our pain, and about this grace from God that seems arbitrary and yet draws us to his holiness and care.

Finally he writes about the magic of memory and how it can close up the old wounds with the memories of past goodnesses and graces from God.”

(about the book from Amazon affiliate link)

Exploring the HEART of health

Exploring is an adventure. That word, “adventure,” comes from the same Latin root as “advent.”

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Explore Advent

Many people find using their phones a convenient way to read and meditate on the Bible. And it’s easy to do so with the Dwell Bible App. With Dwell you can listen to and read the Bible and special devotional offerings for Advent, Lent, and throughout the year.

Here are selections for Advent on the Dwell Bible App now.

Advent, giving in love

““For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16, ESV Vance Havner Vance Havner (1901-1986) is remembered as a witty and passionate preacher and prolific writer. Though he attended Bible college he did not graduate, but self-taught the Bible, such…

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Author: Aletha Cress Oglesby, M.D.

As a family physician, I explore the HEART of HEALTH in my work, recreation, community, and through writing. My blog, Watercress Words, informs and inspires us to live in health. I believe we can turn our health challenges into healthy opportunities. When we do, we can share the HEART of health with our families, communities, and the world. Come explore and share with me. View all posts by Aletha Cress Oglesby, M.D.