The Advent season begins with great intentions, plans, and new music playing everywhere. Anticipation and the sounds of Christmas melodies permeate the atmosphere throughout Advent, fostering a sense of connection to the season. This period is marked by a collective experience of waiting, hoping, and yearning for the arrival of Christ, accompanied by a steadfast assurance and optimism for safety, celebration, harmony, and joy. Both young children and grandparents engage in their unique expectations during this time, contributing to the shared anticipation. Advent signifies a season dedicated to patiently awaiting the return of Christ, where the collective belief in his imminent arrival is met with the hopeful anticipation of safety, celebration, harmony, and happiness.
24 “But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, 25 and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. 26 And then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. 27 And then he will send out the angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven. 28 “From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near. 29 So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates. 30 Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. 31 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. 32 “But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 33 Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come. 34 It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his servants in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to stay awake. 35 Therefore stay awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning— 36 lest he come suddenly and find you asleep. 37 And what I say to you I say to all: Stay awake.”
The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Mk 13:24–37.
At Advent, our attention should center on the hope embedded in our faith in Christ, prompting us to seek guidance through the study of scriptures. Jesus delves into the signs associated with the end times, underscoring the significance of being prepared for the unknown. Remaining vigilant and attentive is stressed, aligning with the fundamental call of Advent, urging us to be receptive and prepared to discern. Waiting for the arrival of Jesus transcends mere passivity; it entails an active and purposeful engagement with God’s mission. As we eagerly anticipate the coming of Christ, we are called to participate in His overarching plan for humanity. This involvement extends to sharing hope with those around us, becoming bearers of the profound optimism that the message of Christ embodies. In actively awaiting His arrival, we are impelled to be messengers, spreading the transformative and uplifting word of hope. This mission becomes a beacon that not only illuminates our own hearts but also radiates outward, positively influencing and touching the lives of others. Thus, waiting for Jesus to come becomes a dynamic and meaningful endeavor, interwoven with the active pursuit of God’s mission and the dissemination of hope to enrich the lives of those we encounter on our journey.
The unparalleled nature of our hope in Christ Jesus underscores the inadequacy of relying on hope in others. It is a distinctive and unwavering hope that sets Christ apart, as human connections and self-reliance may falter. People are fallible, and trust in them can be misplaced, but our hope in Jesus remains steadfast and unshakable. God’s hope transcends the worldly understanding of hope, making it imperative for us to center our focus on fulfilling God’s calling. This involves carrying out the divine purpose designated for us and actively sharing the extraordinary hope that emanates from our faith in Christ with those around us. In recognizing the unique and enduring nature of God’s hope, our commitment to embodying His calling becomes a vital aspect of both personal fulfillment and the uplifting of others.
The anticipation of Christ’s return instills in us the imperative to distinguish between our personal wishes and the profound hope anchored in our faith, urging us to actively engage in God’s work during the period of waiting. Despite harboring long wish lists, particularly as devoted followers of God, we may not see all our desires materialize, be it a bustling church community or flourishing ministries. It is during this season of hope that we are prompted to express our wishes, yet we are reminded by the scriptures to discern between these wishes and the enduring hope vested in Christ’s imminent return. Our ultimate hope rests in the anticipation of Christ’s coming, prompting us, as we await, to actively participate in God’s work and disseminate His hope. Through prayer and the reassurance that Christ will return, we find solace and purpose in contributing to God’s mission, recognizing that our true hope lies in the promise of His return.
While parents and bosses, being human, are susceptible to shortcomings and may occasionally let us down, the reassuring truth lies in the unwavering nature of Jesus’ presence, which transcends the limitations of earthly relationships. Human beings, by their very nature, are fallible and subject to imperfections, and disappointments may inevitably arise in various facets of life, including familial and professional spheres. However, in stark contrast, the divine essence of Jesus encompasses the extraordinary and the unimaginable. His presence is not bound by the constraints of human frailty, and His reliability remains constant even when others may falter. This profound reality serves as a source of comfort and resilience, reminding us that amidst the inherent limitations of human connections, Jesus dwells in the realm of the extraordinary and the miraculous, offering a steadfast source of support and solace that extends beyond the shortcomings of earthly relationships.
Horizon Community Church 