The Joy of Advent: Day 18

On Sunday we said that Advent is a journey to Joy, but it is not us who are traveling. Rather, it is Joy that is coming to us. As we prepare a way for the Lord, and God's glory is revealed, it is Joy that comes. For as we experience the glory of God from being in His presence, there we will experience the effects of His glory: Joyful worship.

Advent is a time when our longings are heightened. Our longings for hope, peace, joy, and love. Our longings for wrongs to be set right, for a return to Eden, and for our Savior to return. Ultimately our longings are for Jesus Christ to come again and bring the Kingdom of God to earth as it is in Heaven (Mt. 6:10). The coming of the Kingdom is this return to Eden...

"The kingdom of heaven is like a treasure hidden in the field, which a man found and hid again; and from joy over it he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking fine pearls, and upon finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it." -Matt 13:44-46

We have been communally singing a song this Advent season that celebrates the fact that Jesus Christ came into our brokeness bringing redemption for those who believe. It reflects the fact that the King of Creation has made himself known by the revelation of Jesus. Some of the meaning of the lyrics are not so upfront, so reflect and reply.

LYRICS FOR REFLECTION
Here is Our King by David Crowder


From wherever spring arrives to heal the ground
From where ever searching comes to look itself
A trace of what we're looking for so be quiet now, and wait

The ocean is growing
The tide is coming in
Here it is:

Here is our King
Here is our Love
Here is our God who's come to bring us back to him
He is the one, He is Jesus

And what was said to the rose to make it unfold
Was said to me, here in my chest
So be quiet now, and rest.

Majesty! Finally!