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Good morning, Saints! Advent blessings to each of you, as we together eagerly await the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ!
Advent is a time of waiting. The word “advent” comes from the Latin ad venire, which means “to come” or, in the related term, adventus, “arrival.” Together, we await the arrival of the birth of our King, Jesus Christ. Today’s devotion encourages us to reflect on the experience of time and waiting.
In Dickens' classic, A Christmas Carol, the miser Ebenezer Scrooge confronts several challenging and life-changing themes throughout the novel, including greed versus generosity, engagement versus regret, selfishness versus charity, and a bleak and dark spirit versus the Christmas spirit, to name a few. You may remember the story well; perhaps you've read this classic, seen it live on stage, or watched the movie?
Whether you enjoy the Victorian-era Christian novelist’s style or even remember much about the Ghost of Christmas Past, Present, or Yet to Come (future), through the motif of time and experiences with these characters, Scrooge’s heart is transformed for the better.
As Christians, our hearts are transformed during Advent as we are visited by the "Three Comings" of Christ: His coming in the Past (in the flesh), the Present (in the Word and Sacrament), and the Future (on the Last Day). Here are a few thoughts and Bible verses to consider as Christ’s Spirit visits our minds and hearts during Advent.
In the Christ of the Past: Christ Comes in the Flesh, as we focus on Old Testament prophecies and the historic incarnation in Bethlehem, which accomplished salvation. The prophet Isaiah says, "Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel" (7:14), and "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given... and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace" (9:6). In the New Testament Matthew adds, "Behold, your king is coming to you, humble, and mounted on a donkey," connecting His humble birth to His entry into Jerusalem to die for sins.” (21:5), and Mark, "For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" (10:45).
In the Christ of the Present: Christ Comes in Word and Sacrament, as we focus on how Christ continues to come to and dwell with us believers today through the Means of Grace (the Gospel in the Word and Sacraments). Matthew reminds us of Jesus’ ongoing presence, "Behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age,"(28:20), and the blessings we receive from Christ, "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!"(21:9). This verse is familiar because it is often sung in the Sanctus before Holy Communion to acknowledge Christ coming in His body and blood. Paul assures us in Philippians that He who began a good work in you through Baptism and the Word "will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ"(1:6), and John points to the Christ who "stands among us" (1:26–27) even now and makes Himself known.
In the Christ of the Future: Christ Comes in Glory, as we focus on the "Second Advent" at the end of time for His judgment and resurrection. A revelation in the final prayer of Advent says, "He who testifies to these things says, 'Surely I am coming soon.' Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!"(Revelation 22:20). Paul describes to the Corinthians that, "the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised imperishable" (1 Corinthians 15:52). Paul further gives a prayer to the Thessalonians asking God that believers be "kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ" (1 Thessalonians 5:23). Luke describes what we will see when the Christ of the future comes, “Then they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory" (Luke 21:27). Romans encourages us to be engaged and vigilant in watching for the future Christ’s return, "For salvation is nearer to us now than when we first believed." (Romans 13:11).
I am glad not to have experienced a visit by Christmas Ghosts, as Ebenezer Scrooge did. I am blessed and pray to be transformed by the Spirit of Christ this Advent. Saints, may we be eager this Advent to open our minds and hearts and patiently wait and reflect on the Christ of the past, the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ; the Christ of the present Who comes in Word and Sacrament, and the Christ of the future Who seeks to redeem us! Amen.
Have a blessed Advent, a Merry CHRISTmas, and a joy-filled New Year!
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