Advent, a Season of Hope

A joyous season, lights, new songs, anticipation, excitement, giving, food, time together

This was not the case at the first advent. The world was weary, under domination, long awaited. The long cycles of return and rebellion in Israel had led to 400 silent years under domination of others.

Mal 3:1-2, Mal 4:5-6. Promise of a herald to come. But then a long silence.

Matt 3:1-3 makes clear that John the Baptist was the herald, and explained what his good news message was.

So….finally after the long period of silence there was a word from God to break the silence. What was that word? Repent! Not what the waiting world wanted to hear.

Israel wanted God to speak but they had made up their own message of what they wanted Him to say.

Rebel against the Romans? - No, turn the other cheek

Strive for power and independence?- No, be a humble servant and missionary

Get vengeance?- No, love your enemies

The beginning of Advent is a time to remember that Jesus walked into the middle of my mess and asked me to turn away from those wrong choices and priorities.

My list:

Focus on being positive vs negative in my life and witness;

Focus on my blessings and how I can share those with others

Focus on loving, forgiving, and giving to others

Use the Advent time to focus on this instead of marketing and material hype.