Advent invites Christians to wait with hope between Christ’s first and second coming

As we near the end of the month of Thanksgiving, we begin the Advent season, remembering the centuries of prophetic voices in Scripture telling of the coming of the Messiah.

Those of us who know the Christmas story may fail to fully appreciate Advent, a time to step back into the cultures and societies of both Jewish and pagan worlds and recognize how bleak human existence was without any true hope that light and liberation would someday come.

Some of the suffering of ancient people was due to a lack of knowledge about health, hygiene and agricultural practices. But the deeper problem then, as now, was human sinfulness expressed through selfishness, pride and an unwillingness to let God be God. The strong often oppressed the weak instead of helping them, and many dealt dishonestly with one another. People turned to idolatry and false gods fashioned in their own image.

Yet one was promised who would be the True Light, the one who could intervene and bring good news to the oppressed, truth to those seeking truth, order out of chaos and purpose and meaning by calling people into an enduring relationship with their Creator God. In short, a Savior.

Jesus came not only to provide a path of forgiveness and reconciliation to God but also to show the right way to live in His new Kingdom — an everlasting Kingdom marked by righteousness and true peace. As we enter the Advent season, we remember that we live between His first Advent and the second one yet to come, when He will complete what He began.

Those who have embraced Jesus as Savior and Messiah, and as Lord, seek to live by the principles of His Kingdom and to promote His gracious, redemptive purpose. We strive to love our neighbor as ourselves.

When He returns to reign, He will judge righteously: “Inasmuch as you have done to the least of these, you have done to me.” His rule has already begun in the hearts of those who love Him and wait for His next Advent.

Gordon Warner can be reached at 330-415-4766.