1 Thessalonians 4:16

Advent is a period of preparation for believers of Jesus.

Advent is upon us again. Advent is derived from the Latin word for coming. Hence, Advent is a period of waiting and preparing for the coming of Christ. While we wait, there is a sense of expectancy. 2000 years ago, Joseph and Mary waited expectantly for the birth of their child Jesus. They had endured much hardship and trouble during the 9 months of pregnancy. But they hung on to the words of the angel when things became too overwhelming.

For the Lord Himself will come down from heaven with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God… (1 Thessalonians 4:16)

Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins. (Matthew 1: 20-21)

Mothers know, firsthand, how it feels like to wait in expectancy as the full term of their pregnancy and the date of the birth nears. While they wait, there is much preparation and there are things to do. They have to prepare the baby’s clothes, bed, the feeding bottles, etc.

Advent is a period of preparation for believers of Jesus. The key is to make time and space. We need to make room for God’s action to break into our life. Hence, this is the season where we pause from our busy Christmas parties and make time for the Christ Child. On the first Christmas, Christ came to us on a “Silent Night, Holy night”. In the same way, Christ will come to us in a silent and quiet moment.

Advent is about the second coming of Christ at the end of time too. According to Scriptures, Christ’s second Advent will be different from His first.

For the Lord Himself will come down from heaven with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God… (1 Thessalonians 4:16)

The certainty of Christ’s second Advent prods us towards the Lordship of Christ and to seek after things that has eternal value. And we do so together as a whole community of faith.

This Advent, let us wait with hope, and with the expectancy of the fulfillment of the promise of God’s kingdom.