Advent 2021

As the Christmas season approaches, we, as the Church, set about preparing ourselves to remember the humble arrival of our King. For those familiar with the Church’s calendar, this season is called Advent, which roughly means “coming.” Advent consists of the four Sundays preceding Christmas Day in which the Church anticipates the future arrival of Christ by remembering His first arrival.

Like the Israelites in exile, we are waiting for our Messiah to return and to “make all things new” (Rev. 21:5) by remembering that God became flesh (Phil. 2:5-11, John 1:1-5) on that first Christmas. We can joyfully anticipate the second arrival of Christ because of His first– the two events are inextricably linked.

Thus, Advent is meant to be a season of praying, fasting, and waiting. Advent is a season to mourn the violence in our world and anticipate the Prince of Peace, a season to lament the brokenness in our society and anticipate the justice of God, a season to repent of the sin in our own heart and anticipate the redemption of Christ.

Although it may seem counter to the festivities of Christmas, it is important to practice and remember nonetheless. While it is meant to be a season of great joy, that joy must be anchored in the incarnation of Christ and not in the traditions of the holiday. 

So together amongst the merriment and cheer, let’s wait and anticipate our coming King.