Editor's note: "An uncommon Advent: the arrival of a Savior in our lives" is a sampling of biblical meditations composed by members of the Concordia University Ann Arbor and Wisconsin community. It is our prayer that you will take time during the Advent season to read and reflect upon God's Word and await the coming of Jesus with newfound anticipation and zeal through the Holy Spirit.
December 13 – The anticipation of Advent
Isaiah 29:15-30:14 and Revelation 1:1-2
Advent is a time of great anticipation. For those who are followers of Christ, it is a time to prepare for the celebration of Jesus’ coming into this world to save mankind from their sins. It is also a time where most of mankind anticipates the parties, the family traditions, the decoration, the meals, and, of course, the exchanging of gifts between one another.
A wrapped gift is the one part of Christmas that is unknown. Long before Christmas arrives, we know where are going over the holidays, which family members we are going to see, the decorations we are going to put up, and the meals we are going to prepare. We know the gifts we are going to purchase for others, but we do not know what will be under the wrapping paper or within the box in those gifts we receive from our loved ones.
The anticipation of finding out what we are receiving in a wrapped present certainly does not even compare to the anticipation of experiencing eternity with our Savior in heaven. God shares glimpses of what heaven will be like, but we as humans cannot comprehend what we will truly experience once we are there with our Heavenly Father.
It is so very exciting to have our Lord promise us eternity with Him if we receive the most amazing gift every given. Jesus, God’s own Son, is that amazing gift. He has already come into this world to save us and given us the opportunity to live forever with Him. Our Lord tells us,Fear not, I am the first and the last, and the living one. I died, and behold I am alive forevermore(Revelation 1: 17-18). During this exciting time of Advent, it is important to remember Jesus Christ, the most anticipated, greatest gift ever given, and that He opens the door for us to receive and experience the amazing, perfect gift of eternity with our Savior. Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophesy, and blessed are those who hear,and who keep what is written in it for the time is near (Revelation 1:3).
Lonnie Pries is the Director of Athletics at Concordia University Ann Arbor and has served there since 2013. View a full schedule of “An uncommon Advent” readings here.
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