Advent

Advent is upon us this weekend, the four weeks of waiting for the arrival of the Messiah of whom the Hebrew prophets spoke. With Isaiah and the great company of the Hebrew prophets we wait for the one who will bruise the serpent's head. We wait for Immanuel—the one who is God with us.

During Advent we also visit the New Testament stories that preceded the birth in Bethlehem—stories like Zechariah and Gabriel in the temple, the meeting of Mary and Elizabeth, the Annunciation, the Magnificat and the birth of John the Baptist. All of these stories set the stage for Christmas to arrive with full force.

Then we have twelve days of the Christmas feast to meditate on all of the marvelous stories surrounding the birth of Jesus that help us explore the meaning of the Incarnation. And after those days have run their course, we arrive at Epiphany where we celebrate and contemplate the revelation of Christ to the Gentiles, as the Magi come with their gifts to pay homage to the child born King of the Jews. Brian Zahnd says, "It's a journey out of secular banality and into the sacred mystery of the Incarnation" and "the aim of Advent is to instill a quiet slowness into our souls."

Let's try to feel Israel's centuries-long wait for the promised Messiah. Let the anticipation build. And when Christmas arrives, don't pack it away too quickly. Savor the impact of this marvelous coming of God in Christ. Then rejoice that the good news has come for all people, everywhere!

Grace and peace,

Anita Sorenson
Pastor for Spiritual Formation