Advent

Advent: a. the coming of Christ at the Incarnation
b: second coming

Joseph led Mary out of the darkness of a Kansas night into the circle of light where I stood with the group we’d been assigned to by the young couple at the Lonetree Church. Joseph knocked on the door of the inn. “No room,” the innkeeper intoned, before having his son lead the couple to a stable. We next observed the youthful Mary and Joseph, as portrayed in a live Nativity scene, sweetly sitting with baby Jesus among bales of hay. Sheep munched on the straw. A cow mooed.

Out on the hills, shepherds watched their sheep. “An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid, I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord'” (Luke 2:9-11 NIV).

The Christmas story inspired me anew that evening in Kansas. I am a part of the vast number of people who know about the babe born in Bethlehem. We are God’s children. We celebrate the season with carols, programs, by giving gifts, and with eating peppernuts and other goodies. We share the good news on the streets and subways of New York City.

Christ has come. Someday, soon he is coming again. The Advent season not only looks at the babe born in Bethlehem, but it is also a time to be prepared for his second coming.

“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests” (Luke 2:14 NIV).

May the peace of God rest upon you this Christmas season as we remember Jesus’s birth, and as we anticipate his return.

Berniece