The Journey

Advent is a time that Christians traditionally set aside to prepare for the celebration of the coming of Christ. Advent forces us, in the middle of busy and frantic lives, to slow down and focus on the true meaning of the season through two disciplines - celebration and expectation.

We look backwards and celebrate the deep and meaningful truth that God shone a light into our darkness by stepping down into our world of stone, earth, and flesh. We celebrate that the Infinite One who could not be contained by a thousand galaxies, became one of us, living as one of us. That the very One who breathed life into everything that exists and holds every atom in place by the word of his power actually walked around with dirty feet, ate food, knew loneliness, laughed with people he loved, and was betrayed by a friend. We celebrate that God made the first move towards us. In the story of Christmas we see an active God, a God who is on pursuit towards the humans he loves. So we pause, and we look at this story and remember in awe and wonder that in the simple image of this baby in a dingy stall we are met with the reality of God drawing near to earth. We look, remember, and celebrate.

But we also look forward in expectation, because the One who lived among peasants and outcasts is now a king. But not only is he a king, but this One who was once betrayed is coming back to make all things right. He will return, this King will, and when he does we will see him fully in his beauty, radiance, and power. So we stop and look around and come to grips with the fact that much of this life consists of waiting. Nothing satisfies fully and completely because it is not meant to; every joy and pleasure is meant to be only a preview for the whole and complete joy that we will know on that day when we finally see him face to face. We wait... eagerly... expectantly.

This is Advent: Jesus. First in a wooden box made to hold food for livestock, recognized only by a few nomads who watched wayward sheep for a living. But this is also Advent: Jesus on a throne, radiating light, recognized by every man, woman, child, and creature who ever drew breath on this planet.

Stop.
Remember.
Wait.

Do not let the simple glory of it all pass you by this year.
He who testifies to these things says, "Surely I am coming soon." Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! - Revelation 22:20