Advent is a powerful time in which the categories of time fold and layer on each other. In the present, we remember the past, in anticipation of the future. Such a season should not be spent simply existing. In this post we'll try and explain how these three elements of time are combined in the season of advent to create the "magic" of Christmas.
Leo Tolstoy's wise hermit tells us, "That the most important time is now, for it is the only time when we have any power." It is not for naught that the present is called a present. It is indeed a gift that we must be thankful for if we are to understand it properly. We exist in the present, in it we have the power to both remember and to plan, to learn from and to anticipate. Such is one of the many blessings gifted to the human creation. In this present season of advent this gift ought to be utilized so that the season is not wasted and so that we don't begin the New Year with little worth remembering and nothing new to be excited about.
In this moment we have hope for the future by remembering the past. Alone the future is unknown and can be daunting. However, with the context provided by history we are confident that the future is not spinning out of control. The celebration of advent is about the anticipation of Christ's second coming. His first coming which we celebrate with praise is only the precursor to the triumph that the future will bring. Consider how alive the spirit of Christmas is despite all the modern commercialization and secular fluff that has attempted to suck dry the mystery and glory of the Christmas season. What these leeches have discovered is what they have attempted to destroy is an ocean that does not run dry. The New Covenant of grace which was inaugurated with the coming of Christ on that first Christmas has not faltered or failed. The celebration has not ceased, because we are not simply remembering a past event which was significant before. Rather we are currently rejoicing in a living savior who was born a human two thousand years ago and continues to live, equipping His saints for godliness and calling the sinners to turn from their wicked ways and live, lest they die.
Advent is defined by the arrival of a notable person. Who is arriving? Jesus Christ. How do we know? He already came. He told us to prepare for His imminent return, and He has never failed to keep His promises. When do we celebrate with praise and thanksgiving, with parties and presents, with families and friends, these two realities? Right...., now. I don't want to miss out on any of the experience of this advent season which is why I am trying to make an extra effort to remember that everything we celebrate, all the carols and gifts, the trees and the lights, the angels singing on high and the star in the heavens. None of these make sense outside of the context of Jesus coming back again. Because this isn't just about what happened, but about what is happening currently and what will happen to come.
By way of example I share with you a photo from a Lagan vacation.
Leo Tolstoy's wise hermit tells us, "That the most important time is now, for it is the only time when we have any power." It is not for naught that the present is called a present. It is indeed a gift that we must be thankful for if we are to understand it properly. We exist in the present, in it we have the power to both remember and to plan, to learn from and to anticipate. Such is one of the many blessings gifted to the human creation. In this present season of advent this gift ought to be utilized so that the season is not wasted and so that we don't begin the New Year with little worth remembering and nothing new to be excited about.
In this moment we have hope for the future by remembering the past. Alone the future is unknown and can be daunting. However, with the context provided by history we are confident that the future is not spinning out of control. The celebration of advent is about the anticipation of Christ's second coming. His first coming which we celebrate with praise is only the precursor to the triumph that the future will bring. Consider how alive the spirit of Christmas is despite all the modern commercialization and secular fluff that has attempted to suck dry the mystery and glory of the Christmas season. What these leeches have discovered is what they have attempted to destroy is an ocean that does not run dry. The New Covenant of grace which was inaugurated with the coming of Christ on that first Christmas has not faltered or failed. The celebration has not ceased, because we are not simply remembering a past event which was significant before. Rather we are currently rejoicing in a living savior who was born a human two thousand years ago and continues to live, equipping His saints for godliness and calling the sinners to turn from their wicked ways and live, lest they die.
Advent is defined by the arrival of a notable person. Who is arriving? Jesus Christ. How do we know? He already came. He told us to prepare for His imminent return, and He has never failed to keep His promises. When do we celebrate with praise and thanksgiving, with parties and presents, with families and friends, these two realities? Right...., now. I don't want to miss out on any of the experience of this advent season which is why I am trying to make an extra effort to remember that everything we celebrate, all the carols and gifts, the trees and the lights, the angels singing on high and the star in the heavens. None of these make sense outside of the context of Jesus coming back again. Because this isn't just about what happened, but about what is happening currently and what will happen to come.
By way of example I share with you a photo from a Lagan vacation.
This is me with my niece . I represent the present, she represents the future and our biography of Francis of Assisi represents the past. Together we symbolize this advent season. In the present we look to the past to prepare for the future. I don't know exactly what destiny has in store for my niece but I do know that the wisdom of St Francis will be applicable to her wherever she finds herself. So I make sure to share it with her whenever I get the chance.
Pax Vobiscum, until tomorrow.
wow ok!
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