Advent – Week 1
O come, O come, Emmanuel, And ransom captive Israel, That mourns in lonely exile here Until the Son of God appears. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.
‘There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, there will be dismay among nations in their confusion over the roaring of the sea and surging waves. The planets and other heavenly bodies will be shaken, causing people to faint from fear and foreboding of what is coming upon the world. Then they will see the Son of Man coming on a cloud with power and great splendor. Now when these things begin to happen, stand up straight and raise your heads, because your redemption is near.’
Jesus told them a parable: ‘Look at the fig tree and all the trees. When they sprout leaves, you can see for yourselves and know that summer is near. In the same way, when you see these things happening, you know that God’s kingdom is near.’
Luke 21: 25-31
He is coming. He is coming. He is coming. He is coming. Which way do you hear the promise? Depending on where your heart places the emphasis reveals our heart’s focus, it’s craving. Luke’s passage from this week’s gospel reading talks of the second coming of Christ. But I don’t want to get caught up in the signs right now, it actually feels a bit distracting to focus on the signs. Yes, God’s given them to us, but it’s the description following that holds more weight to me.
Look at the fig tree…
It is almost as though Jesus can see the confusion, perhaps fear or insecurity, creeping over his disciples faces. So, he slips into a gentler metaphor and breaks away from the details of the signs. “Let’s try it this way…” Because it’s hard to hear him list out those signs and not have an emotional reaction to the vivid images he paints. It’s intense.
Look at the fig tree…
Now, in three sentences we have – I believe – something greater. You know the indicators of seasons changing. It’s reflex mentally for us to see tiny green buds on trees and recognize it as spring, not autumn. We see snow on the ground (well, those who live in the right areas), and easily identify it as winter. There’s no confusion, no cause for questioning or fear. These are simply natural indicators that we use to mark the shift, the passing of time.
In the same way, when you see these things happening, you know that God’s kingdom is near.
Just as little children learn to recognize newly growing plants, flowers, falling leaves and snow as seasonal indicators, so we as God’s children ought to learn the signs of Christ’s second coming. We learn them well enough that they are ingrained in us. Yet when they come to pass, we will simply use them confidently as indicators of the shift, of the passing of time. Do not fear them.
What does that mean for us? Well, are you waiting? Are you actively waiting by learning what you need to know? Or are you depending on the awareness and knowledge of others to tell you? This week, we may need to humble ourselves before Him and ask forgiveness for focusing on distractions instead of his kingdom. He tells us over and again not to be afraid. Are you? Are you afraid of what happens in the world around you?
Lean in closer and wait on the Lord this week. I pray the knowledge and peace of Holy Spirit will give you the confidence to see and know as you seek Him out – stand up straight and raise your head. He is coming. He is coming. He is coming. He is coming. Which way do you hear the promise?
This week I want to close with an excerpt I came across by author Kelly Balarie. In a season that may be full of too much, I pray you feel His presence as He lifts away those burdens and shines His light in the darkness.
You say, "I see all that, and I can handle all that."
You say, "So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand." You say, "Peace is what I leave with you; it is my own peace that I give you. I do not give it as the world does. Do not be worried and upset; do not be afraid." You say, "Tell everyone who is discouraged, Be strong and don’t be afraid! God is coming to your rescue…" What looks unscalable, You boost me over.
What seems unbearable, You bring me through unbelievably. What can't be managed, You say, "Let down your guard and I will guard you." Amen.
~Edited from Kelly Balarie's “7 Verses When Relationships Hurt at Christmas”
Take a moment of worship: 'O Come O come Emmanuel', by the Petersons.
Pause once a day for a breath prayer: (Breathe In) Rejoice my soul, (Breathe Out) for He is Emmanuel.
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