It's that time of year again - Advent. It's always tempting to skip over Advent and jump right into the euphoria of Christmas Day - after all, the rest of the United States began gorging itself on Christmas cookies in October. But, I believe something is lost when we rush through the beautiful, reflective season of Advent.
One of my favorite elements of Advent is its dual purpose - it's not just a liturgical season carved out for reminiscing over the days before Christ, but a time set aside to anticipate Christ's second, glorious coming. Like the ancient Israelites we wait in anticipation of an event we can only dimly imagine - an event where all that is right, good, and truthful will come to fruition in His perfect timing.
Gaining Perspective
“ And the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob for ever; and of his kingdom there will be no end." Luke 1: 30-32
Today, the Christmas story is easily taken for granted, even among Christians. Our ears have become numb as we’ve heard the story countless times and in varied settings – the angel’s appearance to Mary, Joseph’s dream, the road to Bethlehem, the lack of room in the Inn, the birth in a lowly stable, the appearance of nearby shepherds. The Nativity has acquired a certain quaintness in American culture – something to smile at while we bustle about decorated shops trying to check every name off our lists. Yet when we take time to prepare for this moment in salvation history, to reflect on the events leading up to the birth of Christ, a sense of awe returns. How can we put Christ’s first coming into perspective – and thus better prepare for His second?
