Advent: Just Before Christmas?
As almost every Christian knows, this past Sunday marked the start of Advent. In just four short weeks, Christmas will be upon us. But is that all?
Until this past Sunday, the wheels in my head would have been spinning trying to answer that very question. I don’t recall ever hearing or reading anything suggesting Advent signified much more than the start of a new Christian year and the impending celebration of Jesus’ arrival as an infant in Bethlehem.
This Advent was different. An a-ha kind of day.
One of the scripture readings for the service was Mark 13:24–37. Here we have Jesus taking about the coming of the Son of Man. Not in a manger, but “in clouds with great power and glory.” (v. 26 ESV) Jesus continues with further information about His second coming.
Huh? What does the second coming this have to do with Advent? I didn’t really think to much of it, until the sermon. And then… A-ha!
Advent isn’t just the time before Christ’s first arrival and the yearly Christmas celebration of that event. Advent also serves as a reminder of His return.
A little over 2000 years ago God’s people waited, watching for the signs, knowing the time was soon, but not knowing the day nor hour of Messiah’s arrival.
Today God’s people wait, watching for the signs, knowing the time is soon, but not knowing the day nor hour of Christ’s return.
Sometimes I wonder how many of us will be awake for His return. (Mark 13:37) Sometimes I wonder, will I be awake?
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