A mother waits to give birth to her child after nine long and arduous months––the early pains of labor settling upon her body.
A family sits in a doctor's office, hearts racing and palms sweaty, awaiting the results of a medical test.
After months of vigorous study and preparation, a student lies awake at night, stressing over the results of an admittance test.
The act of waiting may be one of the most challenging conditions we experience in life. For many, it generates anxiety as we worry and stress over endless possibilities. For others, it builds up frustration as we bitterly stew over circumstances beyond our control. For most of us, it tests our faith as we battle doubts regarding God's nature and character. But the act of waiting also has the potential of producing enduring and life-giving qualities that strengthen our trust in the promises of God.
Throughout Scripture, the people of God waited expectantly for the coming Messiah. The promise of a Savior made in the garden (Gen. 3:15) was continually traced throughout generations of genealogies and oath-bound covenants. Yet by the end of the Old Testament, the nation of Israel found itself in exile–taken captive by their enemies and forcefully removed from the land of promise (Gen. 12). The words of the past prophets seemed like empty platitudes that held no weight for their future. But looking back upon their own history, they were reminded of God's previous gracious provisions. The God who led them out of Egypt in the Exodus was still the same God who desired to extend his mercy to them once again. Their dark and seemingly hopeless reality gave birth to eager expectation and prayerful anticipation. But for now, all they could do was wait.
Five hundred years and not a single prophetic word recorded. The silence was deafening—the waiting unbearable. Until one still and calm night in Bethlehem, the sounds of angels pierced through the night, singing: "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!" (Luke 2:14). The dark night suddenly illuminated by the glory of God, as angels comfort the terrified shepherds: "Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy...For unto you is born this day...a Savior, who is Christ the Lord" (Luke 2:10-11). The waiting was over; the promised Savior had arrived. The prophecies foretold long ago, now fulfilled in a baby, lying in a manger. The act of waiting had accomplished its purpose––strengthening their trust in God and his promises, allowing him to be their hope, peace, joy, and love.
For centuries, Christians around the world have used the four weeks leading up to Christmas to prepare themselves for the celebration of Jesus’ birth. Each of the weeks in Advent is focused on a biblical theme that finds its fulfillment in the arrival of Jesus. In this teaching series, The Advent of Christ, we will explore each of these themes and consider how the coming of Christ allows us to experience the fullness of God extended to his people––his hope, peace, joy, and love. As we immerse ourselves again in the story of Israel's waiting, we not only remember and rejoice in the birth of Christ. We, too, are filled with longing and anticipation as we await his return, the second and final advent when hope, peace, joy, and love will find their ultimate fulfillment in his presence. Join us this Advent as we remember, celebrate, and rejoice in the birth of our Savior.