Advent

I love Christmas.  As crazy as Christmas can be with family in two different states, I love seeing everyone. There are gifts, good food, games, and lots of laughter. Christmas is a celebration unlike any other holiday.

Throughout history, God’s people have had celebrations. There were feasts that lasted days and holidays that were so big everyone who held debts forgave them. Can you imagine that?

Unfortunately, it is typical to forget the reason for a feast or a party and be consumed by the planning, logistics, and the good things gained from the holiday. Christmas is no different. We get distracted by wonderful things and forget the purpose of it all.

Thousands of years ago, God made a promise, the first in a series of promises that point to someone who will make things right again.

Adam and Eve sinned in the garden and God promised that one of their offspring would one day crush the head of that serpent and bring humanity back to the garden. To Abraham, again, the promise came that one of his offspring would be the avenue through which God would bring blessing on the earth again.   David, King of Israel, was meant to be someone who reminded us, that God’s true King was coming. 

Throughout the Old Testament, over and over and over again, God declares that he is sending a hero to reverse the curse and restore humanity.   Imagine being one of those ancient people, seeing history, wondering, “will the Messiah ever come?  We need a better ruler, who is courageous and just.” Imagine looking at your heart, knowing its brokenness and saying, “will the messiah ever come and make things right.  When, O God, will you come to reverse this curse.” Imagine the longing year after year after year. 

Now, read the story of Jesus’s birth. This is not just about trees, lights, gifts, and parties. It’s about the coming of the long awaited Messiah. It’s about the reconciliation your heart has longed for. Its about the stomping of the serpent, reversing the curse and the coming of a True and Just King.