Christ's Coming in the Past
A new year has arrived – in the life of the church. Our IMMERSION set-up begins with a devotional exercise routine called P31Xmas.
To bridge the next few days into December, we are giving you a short introduction to the season of Advent. The word advent is Latin for “coming,” and for our purposes, characterizes the coming of Jesus – past, present, and future. That, and a few other additions should set us up nicely for December.
Pondering Point
Many Lutheran Churches add Wednesday services for the church seasons of Advent (Pre-Christmas) and Lent (Pre-Easter). As noted in the intro above, Advent focuses on Jesus’ coming into this world.
Today we acknowledge His past coming. Selected readings highlight Old Testament prophecies such as His incarnation at Bethlehem:
Micah 5:2
“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,
though you are small among the clans of Judah,
out of you will come for me
one who will be ruler over Israel,
whose origins are from of old,
from ancient times.”
....and ...
Isaiah 9:1-2
Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress. In the past he humbled the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali, but in the future he will honor Galilee of the nations, by the Way of the Sea, beyond the Jordan—
The people walking in darkness
have seen a great light;
on those living in the land of deep darkness
a light has dawned.
The Old Testament people of God waited centuries for the Messiah, a word meaning the Anointed One was had been prophesied as a Savior for God’s people. Our waiting is different, for we know the Messiah as an already-arrived Savior in the person of Jesus. Nonetheless, it helps us better understand the WAY of GOD as we ponder the prophesied Messiah Jesus.
Focusing on the waiting for the light of Christ in a dark world and on the eschatological nature of Advent can help make Advent a more depth-filled, honest time of waiting.
Advent Hymn Verse for the Day
Savior of the Nations, Come
Savior of the nations, come;
virgin's Son, make here your home.
Marvel now, O heav'n and earth,
that the Lord chose such a birth.
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