In Minnesota, the snow has begun to fall, the ground is white, the temperatures stay below freezing. This tells us that it is that special time of year called Advent.
Advent is a special season, which Christians have observed for centuries. The word means “coming” or “arrival.” It is a season of preparation, expectation and hope. For centuries the Hebrew people looked and waited for their Messiah. Jesus, who was to come as a baby born in a manger, was the fulfillment of their hopes and dreams. Just how important was this coming?
Since Adam, humanity has been under God’s judgment, separated from him. Jesus came that people might once again be reconciled unto God and have eternal life and fellowship with the Father. Many people did not recognize or receive Jesus as the promised Messiah when he came. While they looked for a conquering political hero, Jesus came as an innocent baby. While they looked for a military conqueror to establish God’s kingdom on earth, Jesus proclaimed a heavenly kingdom, which would never pass away.
Lift up your heads, you gates; be lifted up, you ancient doors,
Psalm 24:7-10
that the King of glory may come in. Who is this King of glory?
The Lord strong and mighty, the Lord mighty in battle.
Lift up your heads, you gates; lift them up, you ancient doors,
that the King of glory may come in. Who is he, this King of glory?
The Lord Almighty—he is the King of glory.
Preparation … Expectation … Hope. We prepare, expect, and have a lasting hope for the day when we, too, will see him face to face. Furthermore, we give thanks for Christ, for indeed he has come. Let us use this holy season of Advent to prepare our hearts to receive him anew in our daily living.
Pastor Dan
Listen to Advent sermon series: The Canvas of Christmas