Advent—Expectation
As we enter this first week of Advent, we come with hearts full of expectation. This is a season where we reflect on the coming of Christ, both in his humble birth and in his future return. The Lord is our righteousness, and we look toward the horizon, filled with hope, knowing that our God draws near.
Imagine standing in the darkness of early morning. The world is still, hushed, and waiting. But in the distance, the faintest light begins to break over the horizon. It’s small, almost imperceptible at first, but it grows. Slowly, the night gives way to the light of day, a new dawn that promises warmth, life, and renewal.
In the same way, Advent is a season where we stand on the edge of what’s to come, watching for the light of Christ to rise over the horizon of our world and our lives. We wait with eager hearts, not in idle passivity, but with hope-filled anticipation. The darkness is not the final word—there is a light breaking through, and that light is Jesus, the One who is our righteousness.
In today’s reading from Luke, we hear Jesus’ words about signs in the heavens, distress on the earth, and the coming of the Son of Man. It may feel like these are words of fear, but they are also words of profound hope and expectation. The world may be in turmoil, but Christ promises to come again, to restore all things, and to make everything right.
This passage invites us to lift our heads, to be watchful, because the kingdom of God is drawing near. Just as the dawn breaks over the horizon, so too does the coming of Christ bring the promise of redemption, justice, and peace.
As we light the Advent candle of hope today, let it be a reminder of the light that is steadily drawing near—the light of Christ, our righteousness. And as we wait, may our hearts be filled with expectant hope, knowing that even in the darkest moments, God’s promise is sure, and Christ is coming again.
25 “There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. 26 People will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken. 27 At that time they will see the Son of Man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. 28 When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near.”
We anchor our hope in the One who draws near.
