December 1, 2024 - Waiting, Waiting

 Waiting, Waiting ...

Sunday, December 1, 2024

by Brian Groe

Scripture:  Isaiah 9:1-7

Key Verse:

The people walking in darkness

have seen a great light,

on those living in the land of deep darkness

a light has dawned

Isaiah 9:2

I am always amazed at how quickly the time flies by!  It seems like we just celebrated Christmas, and in a blink Advent is here once again!  Time is on fast-forward, and every year it seems to be moving ahead at breakneck speed!  

What is Advent?

The Oxford Language dictionary defines Advent as:

The arrival of a notable person, thing, or event: i.e. "the advent of television."

I am the youngest of 8 children, and my oldest sister is 18 years older than I am, so I have no memory of her (or my oldest 2 brothers) living in the same house as me.  However as a child Advent was a time of anticipation that our family would all be back together.  I would anxiously await the arrival of my sisters and brothers and their families.  

Advent was also a time for preparation!  Mom would bake cookies and treats for months ahead of time, and then store them in tins in the freezer.  The only problem was that I developed a taste for frozen cookies, and since the freezer was right next to the breezeway door, I would grab a handful every time I went out to do chores!  And as I went to pick the eggs or feed the calves my dog may have gotten a bite or 2 of cookies as well!

So as a child I learned early on that Advent was about anticipation, and arrivals!  Preparing and celebrating!  

The Oxford Dictionary gives a second definition of Advent:

The first season of the Christian church year, leading up to Christmas and including the four preceding Sundays.

Advent also meant Christmas Music!  Our local radio station (KGLO in Mason City, Iowa) would begin playing non-stop Christmas music on the Sunday after Thanksgiving.  There would be special music and carols at church.  At every family event we would gather in the basement, and all sing carols together.  For about 4 weeks everyone I knew would walk around humming Christmas carols. My Grandma always complained that the Christmas music always stopped on December 26, “Can’t they at least keep playing Christmas Music until the New Year!”

This time of year, I would do my chores in the dark.  In the mornings I would watch the eastern sky brighten, and see the morning star shining brightly.  As the sun neared the horizon, the star would begin to dim, and at sunrise all eyes were on the sun as the morning star disappeared from sight.

The King James version of Isaiah 9:2 says "Those who dwell in the land of the shadow of death have seen a great light."  The light of God, the life of God’s Son, has driven out the shadow of death, and ushered in the dawning of God’s Kingdom.

NT Wright in his book The Lord and His Prayer describes the difference between the rule of Augustus in Rome, and the coming of the newborn King proclaimed by the angels:

Augustus’ empire is like a well-lit room at night. The lamps are arranged beautifully; they shed pretty patterns; but they haven’t defeated the darkness outside. Jesus’ kingdom is like the morning star rising, signalling that it’s time to blow out the candles, to throw open the curtains, and to welcome the new day that is dawning. Glory to God in the highest — and peace among those with whom he is pleased!

As we shake the dust off from our silly political season, it is good to remember that politics is not the answer.  All we can do politically is rearrange the lamps to shine the light on some new issue or policy, which causes shadows and darkness in other parts of the room.  The answer is in the promise of the coming of Jesus, and the peace, love and joy that only He can bring.

Still Waiting

Finally there is a third definition of Advent in the Oxford Dictionary:

The coming or second coming of Christ.

You see, just like the Jewish people in the First Century B.C. we are still waiting and watching for the coming of the Lord.  We look forward to the day when ... there will no longer be any curse.  The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city….  They will see His face…..  There will be no more night.  They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light.  (Revelation 22:3-5)

Diana’s Dad (Bob Tapscott) was a traditionalist, and he would always wear a suit or sport coat to church every Sunday.  On the jacket Bob would wear a pin that had a trumpet on it, and said “Perhaps Today”.  

As we prepare for this Advent Season, let us as God’s people keep our eyes on the future coming of Jesus.  Let us anticipate, plan and prepare for His coming.  Let us all walk around with His song in our hearts because perhaps today is the day that He will return!  What a glorious day that will be!

Lord God, we adore you because you have come to us in the past.

You have spoken to us in the Law of Israel.

You have challenged us in the words of the prophets.

You have shown us in Jesus what you are really like.

Lord God, we adore you because you still come to us now.

You come to us through other people and their love and concern for us.

You come to us through men and women who need our help.

You come to us as we worship you with your people.

Lord God, we adore you because you will come to us at the end.

You will be with us at the hour of death.

You will still reign supreme when all human institutions fail.

You will still be God when our history has run its course.

We welcome you, the God who comes.

Come to us now in the power of Jesus Christ our Lord.

- Caryl Micklem, "Contemporary Prayers for Public Worship"