Advent points our focus toward the coming of Christ. What better time to focus on this then as we celebrate His coming as the baby Jesus. We here it so often, “Jesus is the Reason for the Season.” Yet even this seems to miss the point. All the focus is on the gifts and don’t get me wrong Jesus is the greatest gift. But while our faith is in what Jesus has done our Hope is in what is yet to come.
I came across an article the other day about anxiety and anticipation. Anxiety is the fear of the bad things that are to come. Anticipation is the hope and expectation of the good that is yet to come. The article pointed out that Anxiety is fed by fear while Anticipation is fed by Hope. The gift of the baby Jesus is the gift of a certain hope. Jesus has already purchased our salvation. But we wait in anticipation for the return of Christ to make all things new.
It puzzles me that we so vehemently profess Jesus is the reason for the season, but I hear no advent hymns on the radio. It is not just the story of Jesus birth that gets lost in the commerce of Christmas it is also the message of Christ’s return.
Isaiah 40:10 See, the Sovereign LORD comes with power, and his arm rules for him.
See, his reward is with him, and his recompense accompanies him.
11 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 11:5Righteousness will be his belt and faithfulness the sash around his waist. 6The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child will lead them.
So as we look forward to celebrating Christmas may our hearts be filled with expectation. Knowing that Jesus has already purchased our salvation, let’s wait with anticipation the 2nd coming of Christ and as St. Paul admonishes us.
Therefore encourage one another with these words.