Hebrews 11:1 “Faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”
Today marks the first week of Advent, the ancient tradition anticipating the coming of Christmas, drawing attention to the entry of our Savior into earth’s space and time more than 2000 years ago. The practice of Advent is a modern antidote to non-stop commercialism, a bulwark against fear, and a reminder of God’s counterintuitive ways.
We as Christians rely on the historical record in the Gospels describing breathtaking events that took place on the outskirts of Bethlehem. Advent is one of the ways we can remember and vicariously experience those events every year. Celebrating Advent helps us never forget what God has done for us.
The birth of the Messiah ultimately led to the cross and then the resurrection. As I reminded myself in a 2019 blog post, we are not yet in the fully realized kingdom of God though signs of it are everywhere like pinpricks of light invading the darkness. Yet the darkness is very dark and very stubborn. If I lived by sight alone, my eyes would tell me that evil is winning and all hope is lost. But things are not always what they appear to be. By faith, I know that God is in control, that nothing can happen unless he permits it, and that he is patient and long-suffering with this broken, blind, and rebellious world. I place my hope and confidence in God for something far better, though I don’t yet see its ultimate fullness. But I must always remember that God intervenes to rescue in the most unexpected ways.
Father, when you sent your Son into this world it was the dawning of a great light to people living in the land of deep darkness (Isaiah 9:2). Please help me to never forget. Use me to carry Jesus’ light into a world that desperately needs the hope of the Savior.
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This week: If you haven’t celebrated Advent before, or if it’s been a while since you did, why not start this year? You can find online articles with Scripture references to guide you and your family each week, or even every night, leading up to Christmas. Advent is a blessed way to measure time with hope, peace, joy, and love. How much we need that.
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