Anticipating Advent
Christ’s coming is always preceded by an announcement. During Advent, we look [back] toward the coming of Christ into the world through his birth some 2000 years ago. Matthew Chapter 1 documents the birth of Jesus Christ. In Luke Chapter 1 Christ’s coming to the world is announced by the angle to Mary “He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High.” Mark Chapter 1 prepares the way for Christ’s ministry here on earth. John the Baptist proclaims to each of us “by preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.” In our text today, Christ’s return is proclaimed by John “He made it known by sending his angle to his servant John, who testifies to everything he saw that is the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ.” Rev 1:1-2
Advent is a time of anticipation, where we individually and collectively reflect on his first coming as God made flesh, born in Bethlehem, His coming to ministry, baptism and redemption from sin and death, and now his second coming, “Behold, He is coming with clouds, and every eye will see Him.” Rev 1:7a
When I was a little girl, Christmas always began a season of anticipation, a feeling of excitement for something to come. As a girl, often the anticipation of the imagined gifts to find on Christmas morning could be almost too much to bear. In our home we had an Advent Calendar and every day upon opening the calendar became one day closer to the gratifying experience of opening a gift with my name attached to a brightly covered package. As my young faith in Jesus grew, Advent became alive with the excitement of the birth of Jesus. The children’s program, lessons and carols on Christmas Eve, and the midnight communion service with lighted candles and singing Silent Night before returning home to wait for Christmas morning.
As I matured into an adult, my anticipation changed as I grew deeper in my faith and studied the ministry of Christ. No longer was I looking forward to just celebrating the birth of Christ, but anticipating Advent in the context His birth, ministry, and his death and resurrection. Advent is a time of anticipation for the real blessings Christ bestows on me daily as I walk in faith and focus on his word. Oh, I still marvel at my childlike joy watching the children’s program, my joyful tears hearing the lessons and carols, and my contentment while participating in the midnight communion service.
Revelation reminds us that there is more to come. My anticipation during Advent grows rich as I mature in faith and realizes that life brings me closer to Christ coming. I realize that life grows short and I am no longer content to focus only on the past, but to look forward with renewed anticipation that soon and very soon, I will see my Lord.
“I am the alpha and omega, the beginning and the end, says the Lord, who is and who was and who is to come, The Almighty.” Rev 1:8
by Valorie La Cour
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