ADVENT:  LIVING IN THE GAP

STEPHEN DERGES

I grew up in a church tradition where some of the more ancient Christian festivals such as Lent or Advent weren't especially commemorated. And, whilst I still consider myself to be on the less institutionally-minded side of ‘churcheology', the older I get the more I've come to value some of these long-established celebrations.

Don't get me wrong, as a child I enjoyed opening the doors of the Advent calendar to obtain my chocolate covered treat but if that's all we associate with Advent we're missing out on a great spiritual opportunity.

From the Latin word ‘adventus' meaning ‘arrival', Advent is much more than a time of preparation for Christmas and the birth of Jesus. During the four weeks leading up to Christmas Day we not only get ourselves ready to celebrate the anniversary of Jesus' first coming but we also anticipate His return as Lord of lords and King of kings.

This is one of the reasons I feel Advent is such a special time. It focuses on the ‘big picture' - God's desire that every person should spend eternity with Him. Our heavenly Father is the greatest strategic planner ever - remember He devised His salvation rescue plan to redeem mankind before He created the world! (Ephesians 1:4) Everything He does fits together and each aspect is vital.

  • The virgin birth and Jesus' sinless life enabled Him to become our Saviour.
  • His sacrificial death and resurrection defeated sin and death's power.
  • Jesus' ascension into heaven makes it possible for Him to intercede for us now.
  • We've received the gift of the Holy Spirit, empowering, guiding and instructing us.
  • The anticipation of Jesus' return provides the hope of an eternal inheritance.

So often we can become myopic in our approach but through the symbolism and practices of Advent I believe we can begin to widen our focus and increase our vision.

The symbolism of Advent is a graphic reminder of the extent of God's love: an ever-green wreath that signifies eternal life including holly leaves to anticipate the crown of thorns; the lighting of candles - purple denoting royalty; rose-pink representing joy; white reminding us of purity - all welcoming the Light of the World. The practices of Advent - prayer and possibly fasting, with an increased emphasis on seeing an increase in God's Kingdom, justice, righteousness and rule - stimulate us to make a difference in our communities and spheres of influence.

The challenge of Advent is two-fold:

  • We live in the gap between the first and second arrivals of Jesus.
  • It's only a season and it will soon be over.

We need Holy Spirit inspired wisdom to impact a world that's increasingly God-less. Our role, as we live in the gap between now and the momentous second coming, is to envision people to see God's ‘big picture' perspective and to facilitate their decision to accept His salvation.

Let's make Advent a springboard for renewed commitment to live our lives with a focus on seeing God's Kingdom increase.


Stephen Derges is Pastor of Bridgnorth Baptist Church and Chairman of the annual Shropshire Prayer Breakfast.  He co-ordinates a prayer written by local church leaders each week in the local newspaper, and writes for various Christian and other publications. More details on www.bridgnorthbaptist.co.uk and www.prayer-community.co.uk (Shropshire Prayer Breakfast).


Source:  Prayer for Today