Hey Church!

This Sunday will kick off the season of Advent (literally, “arrival; coming”), a period of hopeful longing that celebrates Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem and anticipates the day of His return. 

For the past six months, we have lived in the season of Pentecost, which is the time after the Holy Spirit was poured out on the Church and before His second coming. Theologians often refer to this time after Pentecost as the “already/not yet,” since His Kingdom is “already” here through Christ but “not yet” fully realized. Advent reminds us that that day, when Jesus will make all things new, is coming very soon. 

One of the most helpful analogies I have heard used to describe our present reality as citizens of God’s Kingdom compares two pivotal moments of World War II. Many have observed that while “VE-Day” (May 8, 1945) was when fighting officially ceased, there is a very real sense in which the outcome of the War was decided on “D-Day,” almost one year prior (June 6, 1944). 

Similarly, Jesus declared that everything that had been prophesied about Him in the Scriptures was “finished” on the cross. The payment for our sin, the life of righteous obedience we could not live, satisfaction of the eternal wrath of God–all of it had been accomplished. And yet we continue to struggle against sin and its consequences, as we will until He comes again in glory. 

Advent is a time for us to think like those whose victory is secure and whose present battles will be over very soon. So, take heart! He has promised, “Surely, I am coming quickly.” His final advent is close at hand!