Advent
Nov 30, 2008O that you would tear open the heavens and come down,
so that the mountains would quake at your presence—
as when fire kindles brushwood
and the fire causes water to boil—
to make your name known to your adversaries,
so that the nations might tremble at your presence!
When you did awesome deeds that we did not expect,
you came down, the mountains quaked at your presence.
From ages past no one has heard,
no ear has perceived,
no eye has seen any God besides you,
who works for those who wait for him.
- Isaiah 64:1-4
In this passage we see Isaiah crying out, longing with all of his being for the first advent of Jesus Christ. As he looks around and sees the injustice, the pain, and the hurt in the world, his response is to turn to God and cry out in deep desire for his coming. He was waiting for the Advent of the Messiah, Jesus Christ.
The word ‘Advent’ comes form the Latin adventus meaning arrival or coming. For Christians, the word is filled with hope and promise, for by saying this, we speak of the Advent or Coming of Jesus that sets the world right. We believe Jesus came in his first advent to live, die and raise to life – providing a way out for all of us, a way to live a life in connection with God. Scripture says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son that whosoever believes in him would not be lost, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:16)
When Jesus left, he promised that he would return again, at the second advent (or coming) to set the world right and destroy sin & death forever.
As we anticipate the Christmas season and the celebration of the first advent, contemplate these words: “if the church cannot proclaim and look forward to the second Advent of Christ, then in all honesty there is precious little sense in making much ado about his first advent in Bethlehem." (Scott Hoezee)
We celebrate with joy the first advent of Christ, but we don’t stop there. For it is this longing that gives voice to the desire of our heart for Christ’s second Advent. Like Isaiah, we look around at the financial ruin, pain, and tragedy in our world and utter a cry of deep longing, “Oh that you would tear open the heavens and come down!” We wait in eager expectation for his return.
So, we add our voice to John’s as we say, “Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.” (Revelation 22:20).
As we begin this advent season, we begin with a cry, beyond what our words alone can express. A cry for justice, hope and healing.
A cry for the advent of Jesus Christ.
-Pastor Tara VinCross
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