The Joy of Advent: Day 16

Advent is a season of hope, remembering the longing of God’s people for Messiah and rekindling our own desire for Christ’s return. It is a time of reflection and preparation, both of which require us to enter in, forsaking the usual hustle and bustle of the holiday season.

The last two weeks have invited our reflection, considering this question: “What do I long for now?” Our weak desires have been exposed by the powerful images and stories of God’s mighty deeds throughout history. We have been confronted with our day-to-day cravings, which often have little to do with Jesus' coming reign of peace and justice.

Our only recourse in these times of searching for hope has been to plead the cry of Advent: “Come, Lord Jesus, Come.” Come and revive our spirit, lift our eyes to the God of hope, and to Christ, our hope of glory.

Now in the last two weeks of Advent we shift from reflection to preparation, from longing to anticipation. The clouds are breaking. Morning is coming. We are entering into the long-awaited joy of annunciation.

The angel said to Mary, "The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; He will be called Son of God."

The stories of Jesus’ birth are filled with hints of what His life will mean for us. Faith and generosity overcome impossibility. Poverty and persecution reveal glory.

During this Christmas season, a time when we anticipate and receive gifts, let us be renewed in our sense of wonder and joy as we fix our hope on the gift of God: foretold by the prophets and the angel Gabriel, conceived in the virgin Mary, and celebrated by John the Baptist in his womb. “For nothing will be impossible with God”


SCRIPTURE READING: Luke 1:26-56

HYMN: COME, THOU LONG EXPECTED JESUS


Come, Thou long expected Jesus

Born to set Thy people free;
From our fears and sins release us,

Let us find our rest in Thee.


Israel’s Strength and Consolation,

Hope of all the earth Thou art;

Dear Desire of every nation,

Joy of every longing heart.

Born Thy people to deliver,

Born a child and yet a King,
Born to reign in us forever,

Now Thy gracious kingdom bring.


By Thine own eternal Spirit

Rule in all our hearts alone;

By Thine all sufficient merit,

Raise us to Thy glorious throne.