Advent – While We Wait!

Most contemporary churches don’t spend a lot of time talking about the season of Advent. Having had the privilege of attending both contemporary and traditional churches, I have developed an appreciation for the value of both kinds of venue. There is a part of me that loves the pulpit adorned in purple, the candles, the special devotions and music – it is a reminder of this special holy time!

This week we are going to reflect on the “reason for the season!” For even though the world is trying to strip us of even mentioning the word “Christmas” – they cannot take away the spirit of this high and holy time. Love is still spread abroad in the hearts of men and women, boys and girls. Miracles still abound. This is perhaps one of the things about serving our Lord that touches me the most. Man can dictate and legislate – but God’s spirit yet dominates. You can’t destroy the love of God or the power of God!

From the days of the early church, the disciples finally understood the miracle of the resurrection, even though they still didn’t understand what it meant. Jesus appeared to them and to others after his ascension, and when He made His final departure, these are the words we read:

6 So when the apostles were with Jesus, they kept asking him, “Lord, has the time come for you to free Israel and restore our kingdom?”

7 He replied, “The Father alone has the authority to set those dates and times, and they are not for you to know. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.”

9 After saying this, he was taken up into a cloud while they were watching, and they could no longer see him. 10 As they strained to see him rising into heaven, two white-robed men suddenly stood among them. 11 “Men of Galilee,” they said, “why are you standing here staring into heaven? Jesus has been taken from you into heaven, but someday he will return from heaven in the same way you saw him go!” Acts 1:7-11 (NLT)

I can remember like yesterday the day it finally hit me -not only who Jesus was -and who He was to me – but when I really received Him into my life. I wanted to tell everyone the good news of the gospel! I can remember telling my brother-in-law, why doesn’t everyone share this glory? And yet over the years, I too tried to become politically correct and just “let my light shine” and kept the message of that light close inside.

Today, I want to shout it from the housetops! Jesus came to earth as a little baby – just as you and I – but He grew and lived a sinless life – and at the appointed time – He went forth in ministry to declare the good news that there was help and there was hope in God! In three short years, He impacted those twelve men (and one of them was a devil) who after His death and resurrection to the point where it was said -”“These who have turned the world upside down have come here too”. Acts 17:7

This advent I want to be one of those – who will turn the world upside down!

Kairos,
Maria