An Advent Blessing

Photo taken by Lukka Mast

Dear families, It is now December 1, and the season of Advent is here. As we prepare for the celebration of Christ's birth this year, some of us may have endured financial hardship, job loss within our families, or even personal tragedy. It's been a rough year for so many. Through it all, there have likely been bits of joy spread throughout, some peaceful days, hopefully much laughter and rejoicing, even amidst the deprivation of company as we spent many weeks without community.

Thankfully, we can cling to a Savior who knows so much about these things. He was born into poverty, abandonment of those closest to Him at His hour of need, and sacrificing so much-Himself, for others' joy to one day be made complete.

As we anticipate an ending to our current global situation with the pandemic, we can agree that waiting is sometimes....the absolute worst. Our modern North American lives have given us the luxuries of instant gratification, comparative wealth and convenience, and so many freedoms that have been arguably or freely given up to current restrictions depending on where we live. That's why we need Advent; this year, decidedly so. It's the holding of breath before the long exhale.

Advent sits with us in the quiet, in the dark, with the guidance of a star and a hope we so desperately long for. The Jews waited for centuries at times, to hear from God. They waited thousands of years for a Messiah. Yet so few of them knew what was taking place right in their own backyard, with just a few shepherds to witness. The humility of the scene may even be offensive to Israelite sensibilities, who expected a regal King who would conquer Rome.

God's economy is so different from our mindset, too. We can get lost in the Good Deed trap, working for our salvation without ever really knowing Him; we can use our moralism as a religious booster shot. We can shame ourselves into never accepting His gift of Grace, assuming He could never love nor forgive us for what we've done in the past.

God's economy says, "because I made you, I love you. I know everything about you, and I accept and highly value you". What other god from history makes such a left turn?

As we wrap up the end of 2020, be blessed knowing that God's economy is not about how much you earned in the previous tax year, or how you 'failed' your children (you didn't), or even how many good acts you did for your church community in service. God's economy is different from the world's success.

We know how this story ends, friends. It ends well. The baby was born, first in a homely cave, surrounded by animals; nearly killed if not for a dream. The prince of this world never had a chance. He has no victory here. We may have more grief, more hardship, and more waiting, but our hope is not in vain. That Savior that we have longed for is here, and He has told us the final word in the story, "In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world*".

Bless you, dear families, through this Advent season. Let us rest and rejoice in the knowledge that He has overcome.

*John 16:33, italics mine