Our family is desperately trying to keep an "advent mentality" this holiday season. We are trying to stay focused on what really matters, despite the plethora of distractions and temptations competing for our attention. That's not easy -- especially at this time of the year in our fast-paced consumer culture! There seems to be a constant gravitational pull towards the shopping centers, the Christmas music, and all the glitter and dazzling lights that can sometimes be very difficult to resist.
We've been gathering every night in the living room for a time of devotion and worship, walking our way through the stories of the Old Testament that point towards the coming of the Messiah. It's a bit surprising that the actual coming of Christ took so many by surprise when you see all the evidence pointing towards His coming! We know the magi were watching and waiting, and were among the first to know of His arrival because of this. They were already seeking Him, searching both the heavens and the prophecies in hopeful expectation that the promised Deliverer would come soon. We also know that Simeon (and Anna, the prophetess) was waiting and watching and living in hopeful expectation of the coming of Christ, and he was able to immediately recognize that the humble infant that Mary was carrying in her arms was indeed the Savior of all peoples.
Today, we can read through the Advent stories that point towards the coming of Christ, and we can clearly see how God keeps His promises. We also know that Christ promised to come again, but how many people in our generation are waiting and watching with hopeful anticipation and expectation for this foretold event? Where are the modern day magi, searching the skies and the Scriptures for a sign of the second coming? Where are the Simeons and Annas, living godly and Spirit-empowered lives in preparation for His return, and therefore capable of recognizing the signs of the times? Have His people fallen asleep? Have we become so distracted by the things of this world, so spiritually numb that we no longer care? It's been two thousand very long years since a promise was made, but we know that God keeps His promises!
This Christmas may we open our eyes and our hearts and live pure and holy lives in expectation and anticipation of His imminent return.
"As were the days of Noah, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage, until the day when Noah entered the ark, and they were unaware until the flood came and swept them all away, so will be the coming of the Son of Man." Matthew 24:37-39
"For you yourselves are fully aware that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, 'There is peace and security,' then sudden destruction will come upon them as labor pain come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you are not in darkness, brothers, for that day to surprise you like a thief. For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness. So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober." 1 Thessalonians 5:2-6
"You should remember the predictions....knowing this first of all, that scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing....They will say, 'Where is the promise of his coming? ...All things are continuing as they were from the beginning of creation.' ...The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. But the day of the Lord will come like a thief.... Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness, waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God." 2 Peter 3:2-12
"And because lawlessness will be increased, the love of many will grow cold. But the one who endures to the end will be saved." Matthew 24:12-13
