The word advent means “to come.” As we think of Advent we tend to think of the birth of our Lord Jesus in a stable in Bethlehem. We think of the shepherds, the magi, the innkeeper, the harshness of the outdoors, and the animals. Those of us who have been involved in live nativity scenes are very aware of the cold of the night and the smells and “spills” of the animals. Yes, the occasion is whimsical yet the reality of the situation can still manage to break through.
But, during this season of Advent we remember that there are two Advents being spoken of. Yes we think of the coming of our Lord Jesus in a stable long ago. Born in humble circumstances. But we also remember that the scriptures speak of the Lord's coming in a futuristic sense. The Day of the Lord has yet to come. While we often think of it as a day that will bring judgment, it is also a day for those who live in God's grace to celebrate.
We celebrate the birth of a baby Jesus in Bethlehem, because as the incarnate God He dies for us. By His grace we are saved through faith (Ephesians 2:8).
So today we pause and reflect. We think about what has brought us to this point in our lives. We think about where the grace of God can carry us tomorrow.
Luke 2:10-11 NRSV
“10 But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for see —
I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people:
11 to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior,
who is the Messiah, the Lord.’”
1 Corinthians 1:4-9 NRSV
“4 I give thanks to my God always for you because of
the grace of God that has been given you in Christ Jesus,
5 for in every way you have been enriched in him,
in speech and knowledge of every kind —
6 just as the testimony of Christ has been strengthened among you —
7 so that you are not lacking in any spiritual gift as you wait
for the revealing of our Lord Jesus Christ.
8 He will also strengthen you to the end,
so that you may be blameless on the day of our Lord Jesus Christ.
9 God is faithful; by him you were called into the fellowship of his Son,
Jesus Christ our Lord.”