Today is the first Sunday in Advent, and Stephen spoke this morning from Micah 5:2-5. The Old Testament saints were in a time of waiting and preparation, looking for the arrival of the Messiah. Now, we are in a time of waiting and preparation: first of all, looking back to the first coming of Christ and secondly, looking ahead to His return in glory.
Christmas speaks to us of the revelation of God in Christ whereby all creation is reconciled to God. We can look back on Micah’s prophecy as fact: we know that Jesus was indeed born in Bethlehem (‘house of bread’) and that God has fulfilled His promises to us. This encourages us as we wait in faith for His other promises to be fulfilled. We can know God’s protection, guidance and peace in our lives, and the fruitfulness implicit in the word ‘Ephrathah‘ can be ours as we abide in Christ. (John 15:1-14)
Most of us will have experienced the anticipation and joy of opening the doors on Advent calendars:
The beauty of Advent calendars is the surprise waiting behind the numbered door (often a chocolate or toy.) Advent reveals the gift of God to us, His ‘indescribable gift’ (2 Cor 9:15). Let’s celebrate and be excited during this season, for Jesus has arrived; hope is here!