This year I’ve been late to Advent.
It’s not that I enjoy being late. However, some distractions have detoured me on my way to Advent. Budget preparations, leadership transition, and more meetings than usual have delayed my arrival.
Despite the delay, I need Advent.
The required responsibilities of my vocation – without an ever-awareness of Christ’s coming – can sometimes encourage routine, and overshadow relevance. Even in ministry, it’s common to forget why we’re doing what we’re doing.
I can also be prone to cynicism when I observe the world around me.
Without the reassurance of the message of Advent, it’s difficult for me to imagine that violence will diminish, government leaders will one day become civil, or that love will triumph over hate.
And, there is the ever-present commercialism that challenges each of us, diverting our attention from the “true GIFT” of Christmas.
The season of Advent re-connects me with an awareness of Christ’s coming. The promise that Advent declares is: Christ will come.
He came to us in the flesh. He comes to us now. He will come to us again!
Even in our vocation, Jesus comes. When doubt overshadows faith, Jesus comes. Fear of the future is replaced by faith because we have the promise: Jesus will come again!
Although, I’m late to Advent… Advent is not too late for me!
And, it’s not too late to sing:
“O come, O come, Emmanuel,
And ransom captive Israel,
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appears.
Rejoice! Rejoice!
Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel.”
Comments