Advent Hope

The Coming of Christ instills a bit of whimsy, hope, and awareness in me, this year.

Advent is a time of anticipation and of “coming, arrival.” But I cannot help spending time in reflection, considering what has occurred.

Luke 1:37

^“For nothing will be impossible with God.”

Remember

Though a foggy image, I remember who I once was. I know I have been rescued from myself and from the woes of angst. Miracle of miracles.

I don’t know about you, but for many years, my own thoughts and my own considerations have been the enemy of myself. It’s been a strategic battle from the enemy that has paralyzed me from action, away from relationships, and from being free. The swirling, the doubt, momentary confidence, the curiosity, the yearning for clarity and purity of mind; Oh yes, I know that battle.

I remember that once was dead to life, but I am reminded that a little bitty baby was born with the heartbeat of heaven, the craving of a Savior, and the triumph as the Lord of Lords.

This baby is more handsome than any other baby born. This babe made angels sing choruses, made stars shine round about, and he has made his home in my heart.

Luke 2:14

 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,

and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

Luke 2:19

^“But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.”

Anticipate

I love the unveiling and glory in the mire, the muck, and the journey to the heart of Christ. It’s messy, it’s hard, it’s GOOD.

I love the unveiling and the groaning as we wait for that which we long for (But TRUST ME, I don’t always behave or feel as if I really do love these things. I get frustrated, vocal, and even weepy often). I really do believe God’s word though, when he invites us to pour out our hearts like water (Lamentations 2:19) and that He will set our feet upon a high rock (Psalm 18:33).

I love the unveiling, the anticipation, of Hope. Christ the baby born, He IS hope. He delivered Hope. For hundreds of years the Israelites were anticipating the Messiah, the savior, a Hope for their nation.

 

Joel 3:16

^"The Lord also shall roar out of Zion, and utter his voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake: but the Lord will be the hope of his people, and the strength of the children of Israel.”

The more seasons of advent I encounter, the more days that pass; I grow more and more aware of my need of a Savior minute by minute. I grow in more anticipation in friendship with Christ. I desire the salve of a Savior to sink into new layers of my soul. I desire that the intimacy of friendship with Christ be continuing to inform my views, actions, and how I love. 

 

Luke 1:46-55

The Magnificat

^“And Mary said:

“My soul exalts the Lord,
And my spirit has rejoiced in God my Savior.
  “For He has had regard for the humble state of His bondslave;
For behold, from this time on all generations will count me blessed.
“For the Mighty One has done great things for me;
And holy is His name.
  “And His mercy is upon generation after generation
Toward those who fear Him.
  “He has done mighty deeds with His arm;
He has scattered those who were proud in the thoughts of their heart.
  “He has brought down rulers from their thrones,
And has exalted those who were humble.
“He has filled the hungry with good things;
And sent away the rich empty-handed.
“He has given help to Israel His servant, In remembrance of His mercy,
As He spoke to our fathers,
To Abraham and his descendants forever.”