We are just past the Thanksgiving celebration, originally a celebration of God’s provision of food to the pilgrims, and continued as a national celebration of victory in the War for Independence, and further still at the adoption of the Constitution in 1789. But, now we enter a season of preparation. On this first Sunday of Advent, we start the long and reverently joyful season leading to Christmas.
We lit the first candle on the Advent wreath, which is not a magical act, but it is an important one. Coming into the dark, fallen world trapped by sin and sorrow, was light. The light of the world came into the darkness, bringing hope, redemption, justice, and life.
Yet, it never comes quickly enough for man, does it? Like the disciples, we want Christ to come with an army and set up His kingdom in a moment. Yet, here we are. For some of us, the Thanksgiving celebration gave way to an Advent season that was somewhat mournful – in part because of mourning, family tragedy, job loss, or other uncertainty.
Advent reminds us that the redemption of Christ comes both suddenly (in the redemption of souls), and yet slowly (in the gathering of the nations and setting all things right). And so, our souls are in need of light as we wait upon Christ. And what are we waiting for? We await the full victory of His Kingdom on this earth. We await the full victory of His Kingdom in our own souls. We await the full and final putting to death of our sins, that we may battle it no more. The candle is figurative, so it is not in it that we place our hope. But, it is a reminder – a reminder that the true Light of the World has come, is coming, and will come in all of His glory.