Advent: Hope, Peace, Love, and Joy 

Advent derives from the Latin word adventus, which means “coming.” The season proclaims the coming of Christ—whose birth we prepare to celebrate once again, who comes continually in Word and Spirit, and whose return in final victory we anticipate. Each year, Advent calls the community of faith to prepare for these comings; historically, the season was marked by a season of fasting similar to the season of Lent. This was called the “Nativity Fast” in the East and lasted 40 days beginning in mid-November.

Jeremiah preached in the streets about the “righteous Branch,” which would “sprout from David’s line” (Jeremiah 31:15).  The Israelites had been waiting for centuries for a powerful Liberator, Redeemer, and Healer. They anticipated a great sign from God, and God planned to establish His Kingdom on earth as it is in heaven. God desires the knowledge of the Lord to cover the earth as the waters cover the sea. Just like us, the first-century disciples asked the question: When will the Kingdom appear? Christ, when will You come in Your glory? Through the Messianic prophecies of the Old Testament—focused on the progressive revelation of Israel’s Messiah—the Israelites looked forward to the arrival of the One who was to come.

It was usual that every pregnant Israelite woman would wonder whether or not the child in her womb was a son, and if a son, if he might be the Messiah. While we read the gospel narratives of the Messiah's birth, we cannot really fathom the depth of joy experienced by those godly few who had yearned for the Messiah's arrival. In many instances, Israel's hope, Peace, love, and joy seemed to be dashed on the rocks of reality. It is only as we can appreciate the rising and falling hopes of God's people that we can more fully grasp the greatness of the event of Christ's birth. It is hoped that gaining a greater grasp of the anticipation of the Messiah's coming will enhance our celebration of Christmas this year. 

Let's slow down and meditate about the real meaning of Christmas, and let’s not get lost in the shopping and the commercialization. The following weeks before Christmas are a time to prepare our hearts and our lives as we wait for the coming of Jesus. Advent is also the beginning of the liturgical year, and it may be a time for a new beginning for us as Christians. In antiquity, the purple dye was very expensive, and it came to signify wealth, power, and royalty. Ultimately, the true meaning of Christmas is that the child of Christmas is God. The incarnation refers to the manifestation of the second person of the Godhead in human flesh as the promised Messiah. Undiminished deity united with human beings through humility. It is through this that we have the culmination of our communion with God. God became flesh and dwelt among humanity, and this helps us to look beyond ourselves and into the divinity that has come down from heaven in the person of Jesus. Not that alone, but can we embrace the uncertainty that comes from total surrender? The ultimate miracle of Christianity is not the crucifixion or resurrection but Christ’s birth in the human form. All the rest of the demonstration of miracles and wonders resulted from the incarnation. Wishing all the members of the First UMC and the wider Lincoln community a season of great anticipation and blessings from heaven. May your world be filled with warmth and good cheer throughout this New Year. May this season bring you an abundance of joy and happiness in your life, family, and community. Wishing you a wonderful Advent and Christmas. 

Pr. Binu Peniel