The Hope of Advent

Posted by on Dec 1, 2011 in Blog, Pastor's Blog | One Comment

Advent season has begun. Our church celebrates Advent because we want to have our hearts filled with awe and wonder at the coming of the King. This is truly a time for rejoicing, thanksgiving, and amazement. Celebrating Advent as a church and in our homes reminds us of the indescribable gift of God and what love he demonstrated in sending his only Son, Jesus.

Christians in the middle ages started focusing on three aspects of Advent: Christ’s birth, his presence with us now, and his return. I think this is essential. For most, Jesus’ birth is the focal point of Christmas. The Nativity Scene. The star, the wise men, the manger, and the shepherds. These are all part of the grand, marvelous story of the night Jesus was born.

What I like about Advent is the widescreen panorama focus on the story. Not just that Baby Jesus was born in a manger when there was no room in the inn, but that he was the long-awaited Messiah. He is the Son, the child Isaiah prophesied about, who would sit on the throne of David forever with the world as his footstool. He is the Prince of Peace and Wonderful Counselor. Israel longed like a woman in labor for the Deliverer, the Redeemer – the one who would bear up their sins and sorrow. They waited in darkness for the coming of the light God promised.

Christ Jesus is that Light. Into the darkness of sin and rebellion, God said “Let there be light!” And this is the great hope of Advent, that Jesus came into the world and overcame darkness. His coming means triumph over the works of the serpent. Into my darkness, my sin, and my rebellion, he shined his blinding light, exposing me for who I am, and bringing me near to God. I can no longer hide. I can no longer cower in the trees, as Adam and Eve did. And I don’t want to. His coming means the forgiveness of my sins. I come into the light with my shame and guilt and find refuge instead of condemnation. And into the darkness of your anger, your lust, your envy, your pride, and your self-love, Jesus has shined. Embrace him, the hope of Advent.

Hallelujah! He has come, He is with us, and he will come again.

 

1 Comment

  1. Hayley
    December 11, 2011

    I appreciated this post – almost desperately. I didn’t grow up observing Advent, and it only struck my curiosity recently when a friend mentioned it in her blog. Thank you for sharing what this is and what it means – and how we can celebrate Jesus by observing it.

    I went to a few Branchlife bible studies with a friend (years ago) – and have followed the progress and growth of the church since moving to Tampa in 2009. I appreciate what God has done through the group at Branchlife and wish you all blessings, prosperity, and growth.

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