The Definition
Advent: noun [ad’-vent]
- The period beginning four Sundays before Christmas, observed in commemoration of the coming of Christ into the world.
- Arrival or coming.
Advent is a time of preparation in the Christian liturgical calendar observed by many Christians. It is traditional, not biblical; but it is not sinful either, as long as all the foofaraw doesn’t obstruct the good news of Christ.
The Distraction
Christmas trees and wreaths, mistletoe and silver bells, candy canes and presents, Santa Claus and Rudolph; even many Christmas carols can distract us from the advent of Christ. Saying Merry Christmas instead of Happy Holidays isn’t even the point, nor is erecting a nativity scene in the town square. Buying gifts, gathering with family or friends, and taking time off from school also have nearly nothing to do with the coming of Christ.
The Danger
Don’t get all wrapped up in the traditionalism, sentimentality and emotionalism of Christmastime. Most Christmas traditions celebrated in America aren’t biblical anyway. Retelling a mythologized version of Jesus’ birth complete with an innkeeper, a stable full of animals and three kings (none of which are mentioned in scripture) conceals the truth of the historical birth.
The Dilemma
Even if we can get past the distractions and the dangers of Advent, we still have a dilemma: Why are we going through all these preparations for something that has already happened? Is it just a commemoration, or is it something more? Maybe we can take a clue from the words of some biblical Christmas carols.
Joy to the world the Lord is come, let Earth receive her king;
Let every heart prepare him room, and heaven and nature sing.
Sing choirs of angels, sing in exultation, sing all ye citizens of heaven above;
Glory to God, all glory in the highest; O come let us adore Him, Christ the Lord.
Come, Thou long expected Jesus; born to set Thy people free;
From our fears and sins release us, let us find our rest in Thee.
Israel’s Strength and Consolation, hope of all the earth Thou art;
Dear Desire of every nation, joy of every longing heart.
The Declaration
I submit to you that these lyrics are not solely about the first advent of Christ, but equally about the second. Keep in mind that Jesus promised to come again and call his church home to Himself (John 14:3). Go ahead and re-read the words to the songs above with this second, future advent in mind.
Really. Go back and re-read them. I’ll wait.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
As this season of advent (Christ’s imminent arrival) progresses, let us press onward and remember His first coming in lowly circumstance and poverty, but don’t falsely romanticize it! The incarnation was at once, the most selfless act of condescension ever performed and also the most valuable gift ever given by our sovereign God. Christ’s second coming will not be so quiet.
Are you ready to sing with the joy of angels that Christ has returned?
Are you ready for the advent of Christ, today?
Jesus has gone to prepare a place for you. Are you preparing a place for Him?
“We are a resurrection people living in a perpetual Advent.” – David Ridenhour
