The Bittersweet Season of Advent
As we enter the season of Advent, a mix of emotions fills our hearts. The anticipation of Christmas is exciting, but for many, it’s also a time of longing and waiting. We wait for love, marriage, children, justice, and healing, often without knowing when or if these desires will be fulfilled.
The Uncertainty of Waiting
Waiting can be agonizing, especially when we’re unsure of the outcome. Will our dreams come true, or will they remain elusive? Are our unfulfilled yearnings a sign of discontentment or simply a blessing yet to be fulfilled? These questions can haunt us, making the waiting even more difficult.
A Season of Sharpened Focus
Advent has a way of bringing our deepest longings into sharp focus. For some, it’s the hope of finding love or starting a family. For others, it’s the desire for reconciliation with estranged loved ones. Whatever our heart’s desire, Advent reminds us that our wait is not in vain.
Beyond Christmas
While Christmas movies often portray happy endings, real life doesn’t always follow suit. But Advent teaches us that our hope extends far beyond the festive season. The word “advent” itself means “coming,” and we’re not just remembering Jesus’ birth; we’re preparing our hearts for His second coming.
A Time for Preparation
As we sing traditional Advent hymns, we’re not just role-playing ancient Israelites; we’re praying for Emmanuel’s return to make all things right. We’re preaching to ourselves and others to be ready to meet our Judge and Maker unafraid. This emphasis on Christ’s return couldn’t come at a better time, reminding us that our current struggles are not the end of the story.
Hope Beyond the Present
In the midst of sadness and disappointment, Advent offers us a profound hope. Our current life is not our only shot at happiness; it’s a brief prelude to the life to come, where we’ll find pleasures evermore. In Jesus’ presence, we’ll not regret anything we lacked in this life.
A Call to Hope
If your heart is heavy this Advent season, take hope that the joys of Christmas aren’t ultimately what you wait for. The very best Christmas is but a shadow of the rejoicing to come. Let your heart’s ache point you beyond Christmas to the better celebration still to come. Join with Christians worldwide in praying, “O come, O come, Emmanuel.”
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