In generations past, Advent’s primary focus was on the second coming of Christ and was only secondarily related to His historic incarnation (i.e. Christmas). Located at the beginning of a new Christian year, its intent was to confront people with the fact that the God who reigns over heaven and earth will soon return to judge the living and the dead. Today, of the relatively few Protestant churches that still observe the season, far fewer understand it to be anything more significant than a warm-up for Christmas (which has, itself, been stripped of much of its counter-cultural power and significance).
As a consequence, the Church has precious little left in its liturgical rhythms that point beyond history to what is yet to be accomplished in the story of Jesus’ redemption of creation. The cycles of the Christian calendar are meant to re-present that story to us in a way that instills a deep longing for its completion. We are meant to feel this most acutely during Advent.
When He comes again, His Kingdom will be established on earth, just as it is now in heaven. The mystery and wonder of it all is that He has invited us to dwell there with Him forever. Not only that, but in the here and now, He has made us an integral part of ushering it in! That is why He appeared to His disciples after the resurrection and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…” We are not passive observers of God’s salvation work but co-laborers in bringing it to completion! What an unfathomable honor!
As we journey together through this Advent season, let us all take an honest look at how we are doing in our disciple-making work. Is there someone in your world that you can tell about what Jesus has done in your life? If you don’t know where to start, here’s some low-hanging fruit: invite them to our Christmas Eve services (4 & 6 pm)! The time is now! Jesus is coming again very soon.
Behold! I tell you a mystery. We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable, and we shall be changed. For this perishable body must put on the imperishable, and this mortal body must put on immortality. When the perishable puts on the imperishable, and the mortal puts on immortality, then shall come to pass the saying that is written:
“Death is swallowed up in victory.”
“O death, where is your victory?
O death, where is your sting?”
The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.
Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.
1 Corinthians 15:51-58
Your brother,
Ryan