As he sat on the Mount of Olives, the
disciples came to him privately, saying, "Tell us, when will these things
be, and what will be the sign of your coming and of the close of the age?"
And Jesus answered them, "See that no one leads
you astray. For many will come in my name,
saying, 'I am the Christ,' and they will lead many astray. And you will hear of wars and rumors of wars. See that you
are not alarmed, for this must take place, but the end is not yet. For nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against
kingdom, and there will be famines and earthquakes in various places. All these are but the beginning of the birth pains.” Matthew 24:3-8
Lord, in years past You’ve inspired me to study the
word Advent. Now it seems You are
stirring fresh interest in the term.
Advent, from the Latin Adventus, means coming.
But actually that’s a loose translation, is it not, Rabbi? The term is
expectant, waiting, anticipating an event or arrival that has not yet happened.
As if smelling rain in the air long before feeling the drops; or getting an
announcement of an upcoming party held by someone with a reputation for holding
great celebrations (an event I would surely not miss and one I’d want to
prepare for properly). Advent might even be, say, a special someone who somehow
knows there is trouble ahead. Maybe this certain person with foreknowledge of
pending tragedy takes it upon Himself to intervene, willingly offering a very
personal sacrifice in place of others’, to avoid greater suffering. 
…Yeah, I know…that last example is a reach…who would actually do such a
thing?
To me neither Christmas, nor Resurrection Day, would
be complete without their preceding advents. And yet, those advents are best
understood after Your birth and after Your victory over death. It’s so easy to
look back, exclaiming, “Oh, I see, all those events, the prophesies, the
historical heritage of Your people, the cultural nuances; they all pointed like
a laser to the greatest story ever told. But if so, why did so many ignore Your
walk on Earth? Why did those who should have understood the signs and wonders
best, participate in Your crucifixion?
These disturbing questions cause one more to prick
my consciousness. Creator of all things, what New Advent events are occurring
now? I’ve studied and have understood for some time now that Your objective has
always been to redeem this broken world, but now I’m realizing You’re not
through with Your advent-urous
planning. Could it be that right now, not in some distant hazy future, before
our eyes that do not see and our ears that do not hear; You are unveiling a New Advent?
Savior , what would that mean to my way of life and
my way of worship? Just because I can’t know the exact time of Your return
doesn’t mean I shouldn’t be watching for the heralds of Your New Advent. Actually, I’m told by Your word to
be “alert and sober-minded” about all things spiritual, including Your second
coming. What signs and wonders am I ignoring? What invitation messages might
You be sending out for Your big event? How can I best prepare the way of You,
Lord?
 |
| Blessed are the poor in spirit for theirs is the Kingdom of Heaven |
Some might say it doesn’t matter, that all is fixed
and we believers have no risk as You approach, we can just show up to the party
and all will be well. But is that so? I read of virgins being lackadaisical and
missing the Bridegroom’s return and of a Wedding feast where one man is booted
from the party for being inappropriately dressed for the occasion. Do these
parables suggest that we may be too casual about Your plan? Are there implications
if we are ill-prepared for Your glorious appearance to call the saints to You?
Are we doing enough to testify about the greatest sorrow of all; that of
missing the party all together? Are we effective communicating the terrible
consequences of being permanently excluded from God’s soon-coming Kingdom. Has
my personal witness helped or hindered Your Truth from creating fruit in others?
Adonai, I pray during this season that celebrates
the First Advent, that You help us learn to be vigilant for a New and greater
Advent, when You join with Your people once again to claim Your Kingdom here on
Earth. Let us be watchful and understand in advance, how You would have us best
prepare the way!
Merry Advent
Mark C.
Christmas 2013
