Approaching Advent

“You who bring good news to Zion, go up on a high mountain. You who bring good news to Jerusalem, lift up your voice with a shout, lift it up, do not be afraid; say to the towns of Judah, “Here is your God!” See, the Sovereign Lord comes with power, and he rules with a mighty arm. See, his reward is with him, and his recompense accompanies him. He tends his flock like a shepherd: He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young.”

(Isaiah 40:9–11, NIV)

As Christmas approaches, I face a variety of emotions and thoughts. I do not feel ready for it, and yet snow is falling, Christmas decorations are going up around town, and we are making plans for the upcoming season.

Advent is the season that represents “coming” - the coming of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. For centuries, the people of God had lived in hope and anticipation, relying upon the promise of a coming Messiah. Many of them were shocked at realizing the Messiah came as a baby, for they had designed a large picture in their minds of the political and military leader He would be. But Jesus came simply and quietly … as a baby, in a stable, to basic people.

With the start of Advent this Sunday (the four Sundays prior to Christmas Day), what can / will you do to focus in on the significance of the coming of Christ? Is there one small thing you can do each day or week of Advent to be reflective upon the difference in your life our living Saviour brings? Let’s work to be open to the Spirit of God revealing something new to us this Advent and Christmas season.