We entered the season of Advent this week. Both the Western and Eastern branches of Christianity observe the season, each with a different emphasis. This brief period of time marks the beginning of the church year, offering us entrance into a centuries long journey that begins with the birth of Jesus. The journey won’t be complete until our Lord Jesus returns, as He promised.
I invite you to join me for a series of posts that I want to call Advent Pronouncements. Each Sunday will provide us an insight into the implications of Jesus’ arrival into our world. It is my opinion that no other event in history, with the possible exception of the resurrection, is more important than the entrance of God into our world.
In the days leading up to Jesus’ birth, the land of Israel wasted away in a silent darkness. No prophet had spoken in 400 years. A rigorous, burdensome religion came in place of vibrant faith. Pharisees and Sadducees competed for the religious loyalties of the Hebrew people. Only a small minority awaited the Promised One; they were often called “The Quiet in the Land.”
God sent His prophet, John the Baptist, to prepare the way for the One who would come. He called those whose religion did not satisfy to repent and prepare for the One whose coming was soon. Many did repent and prepare. Others chose to live in silent darkness.
Then Jesus burst into their world. Supernatural events heralded His coming: unique stars, choirs of angels, angelic visits to the key participants in this real-world drama, and a virgin birth. God introduced Himself to the world in human form, an infant boy born to Mary and Joseph. Think with me about the word introduction.
In Jesus’ arrival came an introduction to God’s tangible presence in our world. He makes Himself known to us by becoming like us. The quiet darkness is no more. God speaks again! God invades our space and introduces us to new life, new light, and a new way to live in relationship with Him.
The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him. But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. (John 1:9-14 ESV)
Advent is an introduction to the ways of God for people living without Him. The Baby Jesus introduces us to the reality of life with God. That’s important enough to warrant our attention during this introductory season