What Are You Waiting For?
I did not grow up in a liturgical church so my knowldege was limited to a calendar, often filled with cut out scenes, pictures or even chocolates to count down to Christmas. I looked up the word which led me down an encouraging path.
ADVENT: it is a Middle English word from the Latin “ADVENTUS” which implies expectant waiting and preparation. For centuries, it has been used primarily in the preparation for celebrating the nativity of Jesus. Traditionally, Advent is celebrated the 4 Sundays prior to Christmas with the following 4 themes: Hope, Joy, Peace, and Love
HOPE
Instead of being a vague wished for concept, biblical hope implies a waiting for something that is certain. We can rest in the certainty that God is in control of ALL things - we have solemn assurance as we read Psalms 91 and 121 that God protects us and never slumbers or sleeps on the job. We have the promised hope of Eternity: Revelation 21: 3-6
“And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.” Then He who sat on the throne said, “Behold, I make all things new.” And He said to me, “Write, for these words are true and faithful.”
And He said to me, “It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts.”
JOY
Jesus came to bring JOY!! One reason I like the following passages is because the Shepherds were just minding their own business, asleep or dozing while caring for their sheep. No streetlights, just the dark, inky sky full of stars. When out of nowhere an Angel of the Lord and the Lord’s glory is shining all around them. Of course they were terrified!! And then the Angel speaks from the heart of God.
Luke 2:10-11
Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.
In John 15, Jesus spends time explaining the need to ABIDE in Him.
He is telling them to remain in a state of expectancy (hope) and to continue to be present and kept by Jesus. He reassures them of the Father’s absolute love and commands them to remain in the Father’s love. THEN he says:
“These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.”
We must stay in the love of the Father and walk in the truth that we a loved and cherished by the King of the universe. We are chosen and dearly loved and NOTHING can separate us from that love (Romans 8:35) No matter how hard things may get, WE ARE LOVED. Let that love fan the flame of joy in your heart.
PEACE
First and foremost, I am reminded that Jesus made peace between Almighty God and man. Because we are covered with the righteousness of Christ, We have peace with God. In fact, we are now sons and daughters of the King with all of the rights as his children. In speaking about Jesus, Paul writes in Colossians 1:20 about Jesus:
For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross.
Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.
Let’s learn to think about the good and not be concerned with things out of our control. Worry comes from a determination to have our own way. When we take time to hope and pursue joy and peace - our souls can settle.
LOVE
I would expect that by now you can see how all of these themes overlap and go together. It’s a beautiful blend of things to think about during Advent.
In talking about Joy - it’s impossible to miss that Jesus was emphasizing the love of God for us.
“For God SO LOVED”
We love because He has loved us. Not with the gooey sentimental Hallmark movie kind of love, but love that is messy and hard and true. He sent His only Son. The One with whom God created. The One who holds all things together (Colossians
Out of LOVE for us - He sent Jesus to be locked in a womb for 9 months.
He sent Jesus to travel through a bloody, messy birth canal while Mary screamed in pain. His cradle was an animal trough.
Advent had happened. Prophesies of old came true in that instant. Hope, Joy, Peace and Love arrived in Bethlehem. Isaiah wrote these words of the Lord: (Isaiah 9: 6-7)
For unto us a Child is born,
Unto us a Son is given;
And the government will be upon His shoulder.
And His name will be called
Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the increase of His government and peace
There will be no end,
Upon the throne of David and over His kingdom,
To order it and establish it with judgment and justice
From that time forward, even forever.
The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.
We don’t have to wait to take hold of what God has given us. There’s been a first advent. As we anticipate Christmas - remember that JESUS came but don’t leave him in the manger. Baby Jesus is all grown up. He is the Risen Lord, the King of Kings and…..
He is coming again!! Matthew 24:30
they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.
BE OF GOOD CHEER! We are still in a season of ADVENT because we are waiting for Jesus to return. We can be filled with hope, joy, peace and love as we anticipate his “parousia” - the Second Advent.
We can live our lives fully in a state of advent!! By the way - advent is the root word for
ADVENTURE
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