But do not forget this one thing, dear friends: With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day. The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:8-14)
The second Sunday of Advent gives us the opportunity to prepare our hearts in faithful waiting, celebrate the birth of Jesus and ready ourselves for his second coming.
I have to admit, I did not grow up with Advent in my family, nor do I remember our church ever mentioning it. I guess I assumed it was something only the liturgical churches did, just one more unnecessary piece of religious ceremony.
Then we moved to Texas. Our first church we attended while living in Waco observed Advent, and I started to notice it in the community. I was surprised and skeptical, but the more I learned the more I saw value in celebrating Advent. It gives us guidance and focus during a season that fights for our hearts and minds.
I also was surprised to find the themes for each week vary, for example some would say week 2 is the week of “Preparation,” others say “Waiting.” But I think “Faith” encapsulates it all.
You see, the first advent proves the second. The core belief that Jesus will return like He said He would, is based on the fact that Jesus came the first time like He said He would. So we place our faith on a God that keeps His promises!
As it is written in the book of the words of Isaiah the prophet: “A voice of one calling in the wilderness, ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him. (Luke 3:4)
Our family Christmas celebration seems to require a lot of preparation! It all starts for us with hauling down the boxes of decorations from the attic, then picking out and setting up a tree, shopping for gifts, wrapping, wrapping and more wrapping. Ironically, like waiting hours for a 30 second rollercoaster ride, Christmas morning comes and goes like a rush!
Jesus Himself saw wisdom in preparation for His first coming. He sent John the Baptist up ahead to clear the way for the King. John preached repentance, he called people to turn their hearts back to the things of God so that when the Messiah arrived they would recognize Him in the crowd. So too do we need to prepare our hearts to recognize Jesus in our crowded hearts and lives.
We must prepare our hearts, and light the candle of faith, knowing that one day Jesus will come like a rush, after so many centuries of preparation, our King will return. So let’s make way for the King this Christmas season!
This song may help…click on the link to listen to “Here Comes Heaven” by Elevation Worship.
Have a great week!
Your friend in the Gospel,
Matt