Anyone even vaguely familiar with Advent knows it is somehow associated with Christmas. These are the ones most surprised with the message which comes out of the early days of the season. These are the ones who are expecting baby Jesus to be on the stage immediately and who also experience some irritation with those who insist it is not yet time. Looking for the manger and all its familiar faces is hardly preparation for the first refrain of Advent which basically sounds the message that the Jesus who came to Bethlehem will come again as One who will finally establish His reign over all the creation.
It is, of course, a message that is all over the gospels. Matthew 24 tells us that not knowing the time of Jesus' return does not alter its certainty. Mark 13 sounds a warning to those who would somehow think He will not return. Luke 21 speaks plainly as it says, "Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory." This message about Jesus returning to establish His reign is not something reported in a way that might lead to some skepticism, but was obviously spoken so much by Jesus with such seriousness that it it could not be ignored by those who were intent on communicating divine truth to the growing body of believers as well as the world around it.
As Advent begins, it is always with this message about Jesus coming to establish His Kingdom. The fact that so many think it to be a strange time to consider such a Word does not change its certainty. The One we only want to remember as a harmless, sweet babe in a manger will come again to bring to the world and its people divine accountability. The scripture makes it clear. He will come. As surely as He has come, so He will come again. And, so Advent reminds us to live as one who is each day ready for His appearing.
It is, of course, a message that is all over the gospels. Matthew 24 tells us that not knowing the time of Jesus' return does not alter its certainty. Mark 13 sounds a warning to those who would somehow think He will not return. Luke 21 speaks plainly as it says, "Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory." This message about Jesus returning to establish His reign is not something reported in a way that might lead to some skepticism, but was obviously spoken so much by Jesus with such seriousness that it it could not be ignored by those who were intent on communicating divine truth to the growing body of believers as well as the world around it.
As Advent begins, it is always with this message about Jesus coming to establish His Kingdom. The fact that so many think it to be a strange time to consider such a Word does not change its certainty. The One we only want to remember as a harmless, sweet babe in a manger will come again to bring to the world and its people divine accountability. The scripture makes it clear. He will come. As surely as He has come, so He will come again. And, so Advent reminds us to live as one who is each day ready for His appearing.
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