“The celebration of Advent is possible only to those who are troubled in soul, who know themselves to be poor and imperfect, and who look forward to something greater to come.” – Dietrich Bonhoeffer
The word “Advent” is derived from the Latin word adventus, which means “coming.”
Over 2,000 years ago, in Rome, emperor Caesar Augustus demanded that a census be taken in all the lands he had conquered, so he could know what he would collect in taxes. Joseph had no choice but to travel 70 miles with Mary, his very-pregnant wife-to-be, from Nazareth to Bethlehem (since he belonged to the house of David) for the emperor’s census.
Historians believe this was a harsh time in history, when farmers and peasants were heavily taxed to support the lifestyle of the wealthy elite.
Herod the Great was king at that time over the regions of Judea, Samaria, and Galilee. Herod had been appointed by Rome to oversee a huge kingdom of Jews, and he essentially managed his territories as police states.
The rich leaders in control during that time flourished, while the lower classes suffered under brutal conditions. It was safe to say that the people in lower positions both feared and resented those in leadership.
Not the most prosperous or convenient time in history for a special baby to be born….
… but a time when a Savior was desperately needed.
The birth of Jesus ushered in a time of panic and fear among those in positions of leadership, power, and influence.
But His birth ushered in a renewed hope and joy for those who were oppressed.
“And the angel said unto them, Be not afraid; for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which shall be to all the people: for there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:10-11)
Many of the Jews had heard the prophesies and rumors about the coming of a Savior.
“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.” (Micah 5:2)
A Savior who would break the chains of the lowly and change the course of history.
“For onto us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulders, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” (Isaiah 9:6)
The birth of Jesus was the fulfillment of a mighty promise.
A thrill of hope to a weary world.
During our current season of national and international economic and political uncertainty, many of us may be asking, “How much longer, Lord?”
During the first Advent, Christ came to earth as a helpless baby, grew into a servant leader, and willingly suffered on the Cross for our sins and shame.
During His second Advent, the Advent that is to come, Christ will return to us a sovereign King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
“So you also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.” (Matthew 24:44)
And while none of us knows when Christ will return, we have hope that He will come again as promised.
“Surely, I am coming soon.“
“Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen.” (Revelation 22:20-21)
The weary world rejoices.
May our hearts be open and ready for You, Jesus, both during this season of Advent, and during the time that is to come.
(First published in December 2023.)
