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Reflections on Advent
First it means we should nurture a sense of wonder again about the events surrounding the birth of Christ. Read them again for yourself and let them really sink in. Here we have the wonders of ancient prophecy fulfilled, angelic encounters, dreams and visions, cosmic events, and miraculous birth – far more magical than any Lord of the Rings Trilogy or, for that matter, glittering tinsel at the top of a tree.
Second it brings with it a rather surprising message of warning to us. This is because Advent points beyond the nativity scene to the second coming of Christ. Then we will see not a babe in swaddling bands, but instead a glorious King ready to call time and put every house in order – that means mine included. On that day everything every heart will be laid bear and men’s secrets exposed by God’s light – a sobering thought indeed, which should encourage us to walk in that light, never straying from its life-giving and penetrating rays.
This thought leads us naturally to my last thought – that this time is one of waiting. How hard is it to wait for any gift? Ask any child for the answer. We’ve got two very excited little girls in our household at the moment, who are finding this incredibly difficult. But they’ve got to wait and so must we - in humble and joyful expectation. We do await a Saviour who brings with himself our own salvation. Advent teaches us to take time out of our hectic and frantic seasonal activity, to wait and reflect on things that really matter. It helps us to centre our lives again, to give thought to our ways, to see through what is fake and artificial, and embrace the amazing reality of who Jesus is – God with us.