Longing. I’ve been doing that a lot these past months. It’s not something I do very well. It’s not something we humans do very well. It’s not something that the American Church does very well. Perhaps that’s why Advent isn’t all that popular. Advent is about longing. Christmas. Christmas we do well. Even beyond the presents, the family, the holiday cheer. Christmas is about Jesus. We like Jesus. We welcome him like the end of a good movie – the Hero wins, saves the day, all is right in the world. But it’s not all right. None of it is – At least not yet. We often treat Christmas as if it’s the end of the story – the savior finally came. But Jesus, the one who defeats death and looses the curse on humanity- the story didn’t end when he wrapped himself in flesh; no, somehow, mysteriously, that’s when it truly began. The Past. As Singer/Songwriter Chris Rice reflects in his memories of the 8th Grade, “Why does the past always seem safer? Maybe because at least we know we’ve made it.” We dwell a lot in the past. Israel. The ancient people of God had much to celebrate and reflect on in their past: the exodus, the law, the temple… amazing things God had done for them and through them. And yet, at the end of the day, there was a longing. A deep seeded yearning knowledge that the story wasn’t over, that God was on the verge of doing something great. We too have much to celebrate in our past, most prominently, the introduction of our hero. And yet, Advent is there to remind us of the longing. To remind us of that still small voice which echoes in our hearts, telling us that there is more to the story, that the hero who guarantees our victory, now invites us to share in the journey thereto. Advent is about longing. Longing for the future. The hero has been born, but the world still lay in ruins. We have so much to celebrate, and yet, so much to long for.
Posted on: Tue, 02 Dec 2014 06:55:06 +0000
Trending Topics
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015