Having grown up in a nonliturgical denomination, I remember the first time my family celebrated Christmas with an Advent wreath. My dad, who was a pastor, had changed his denominational association, and with it came the emphasis on the church calendar. In high school when the transition came, I noted the differences and gained a true appreciation for the ceremony I had encountered only on occasion before this time. While I loved the symbolism in the lighting of each candle, the observance as a whole brought a sense of spiritual anticipation previously unstirred by gifts under the tree.
Taken back to its original Latin roots, the word advent literally means “a coming, approach, arrival.” We spend weeks (and for some, months) preparing for Christmas. Presents to buy and wrap, decorations to put up, food to prepare—all because we’re filled with anticipation.
But the real expectation is Jesus, and we—His church and bride—celebrate one arrival while awaiting another. Not content to take His place beside us, He chose to lower Himself that He might dwell with—and within—us (John 14:20, 15:4, 17:21). He’s the promise realized. The world we live in, however, is but a shadow of what’s to come. Thus, He’s also the promise awaited.
While any repeated observance can become trivialized in its importance, we guard the preciousness of Christmas when we remember that this world is not the final chapter. Jesus is returning for a people who “Look!” with anticipation (Matthew 1:23, 25:13). This very hope of what is to come should stir us to greater worship today.
So, in the bright glimmer of the lights, the lively sounds of the songs, and the endless Christmas celebrations, are you looking for Him?
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10
More:
Read Luke 1:26-37 and consider how Mary’s hope wasn’t based on revealed information, but in the One who sent the message.
Next:
Why is anticipation a healthy aspect of our relationship with Jesus? How can we make sure that our hope is placed in His presence and not in what we expect Him to do for us?
tom felten on December 7, 2012 at 8:47 am
Amen, Regina. I’m reminded of Revelation 22:20: “He who is the faithful witness to all these things says, ‘Yes, I am coming soon!’ Amen! Come, Lord Jesus!”
regina franklin on December 8, 2012 at 7:25 pm
And what an incredible home that awaits–Revelations 21:4-5–a place where all things are made new.
GChoo on December 7, 2012 at 11:13 am
Regina, thank you for today’s devotion.
It is good to be reminded if our hope is placed in Jesus’ presence or what we expect Him to do for us. Definitely food for deep thought. Truly looking forward to Jesus’ coming. Hallelujah!
regina franklin on December 8, 2012 at 7:22 pm
Dear GChoo,
Great insight–He wants us to be with Him, not just have us hold our hands out awaiting His blessings. He is the lover of our souls, the One who desired relationship with us when we had nothing to give but our brokenness. Jesus is truly amazing!
yemiks1 on December 7, 2012 at 3:11 pm
For All creations are waiting (looking) for the ERNEST manifestations of the sons of God. look at Christ, so others will see Him in us… Amen
regina franklin on December 8, 2012 at 7:19 pm
Dear Yemiks1,
Yes! May His presence be truly made manifest–visible–in us as we reach out to others with the truth of His coming return. He is the way, the truth and the life and no one comes to the Father but through Him (John 14:6).