Advent #1

In the morning, LORD, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly. (Psalm 5:3)

It’s Christmas time! The Advent Season is approaching. What is at the root of this season? It is a season based around expectantly waiting. The first two weeks of Advent dwell on Jesus coming again, whilst the last two weeks are remembering that he already came. He already came and was born in a manger, and died on a cross. Yet, he will come one day again.

In the Advent season, we are preparing, and waiting for a God that will someday return again and take our restless souls. So, do not be surprised by your own soul searching and longing. Don’t be dismayed by your ability to seek God whole-heartedly one day, and yet the deep soul yearnings the next.

This time of preparation before Christmas reminds me of the, “already but not yet” truth. The truth that the Kingdom of God exists here on earth in our hearts and in the church, but not in it’s fullness. This means that until Christ’s second coming we cannot experience the absolute complete fullness of life. We will still be subject to pain, hurt, and unfulfilled requests. Yet, he is coming, and has come before. This is the hope of the season. The hope that someday we will not live in the interim, that someday we will be fulfilled to the brim, singing praises to Christ our King, and united with him in Heaven. As we wait, let’s wait expectantly, filled to the brim with Hope. Hope that comes from a God that has FULFILLED his promises to us with his first coming, and a God that will reach the full fulfillment of his promises to us when we join him in heaven.

SaveSave