Let every heart prepare Him room…
- Joy to the World
Dissonance In The Darkness
The familiar words we sing with joy and excitement resonate throughout church sanctuaries, jazz ensembles, orchestral auditoriums, and even the candlelight readings at Epcot to close out each year. While so much wages war for precious space in our hearts, Isaac Watts, the man who penned these words, encourages us to make ourselves ready for the only treasure that will satisfy — God himself.
Our hearts, from the moment they begin beating, long for reconciliation. Something is off. An obvious dissonance in the song of our souls. We feel it deeply. Our very being has been jarred from the outset and as we gain consciousness we seek purpose. This individual experience is a painful reflection of the entirety of creation. Scripture tells us that all creation groans for redemption. Enslaved to decay and destruction, we ache for cosmic harmony (Romans 8:20-23).
An Ancient Hope
Advent (from the Latin adventus meaning “arrival” or “coming”) is a season of anticipation and expectation that begins the liturgical year. Traces of Advent traditions date back to the 4th century. Its practices have varied from baptismal preparation to prayer labyrinths. From pink and purple candles to progressive prayers.
Ultimately, this annual rhythm kicks off the new year with hope in a promise — the One who spoke the world into existence will crush the head of the evil one and restore a story gone awry (Genesis 3:15). For generation upon generation, until it felt like hope had faded, awareness of this forthcoming victory became more and more evident, until finally, anticipation gave way to incarnation and arrival gave way to glory. He is here. Glory to God in the highest (Luke 2:14).
He’s Here
When Christ arrived on the fringes of Bethlehem, it looked nothing like the picture painted by those who awaited Him. As His parents entered the city, there was no room for them. His life begins with an image that strangely reflects the larger story. Humanity was waiting for Him but found itself unprepared for the moment.
The promised Messiah. Christ, the anointed One. Immanuel, our God with us. The God who became man. Eternal deity taking on flesh. Creator descending to incarnation. Rescue in the rubble of a broken creation (John 1:1-5).
He came and we weren’t ready.
Already / Not Yet
In our modern context, Advent has taken on new meaning. We remember the first Advent as the culmination of centuries of prophecies foretold and our Savior King breaking an ancient curse that held us captive since the fateful day in the garden when our first parents, Adam and Eve, made the decision to distrust.
In the aftermath of resurrection, we also look forward to His return. All things will be made new. The return of the King marks a moment when, as Samwise Gamgee questions in the Lord of the Rings, “Is everything sad going to come untrue?” In His first coming into our world, He inaugurated a redemption of all things. Salvation for a people in need of deliverance.
When He comes again He will bring to completion the restoration of a creation that was declared “good” at its inception (Titus 2:11-13). A kingdom where the chaos and confusion of our current world no longer prevail. Where waiting shifts to wonder, as we experience the great resolution of a story without end.
Make Room In The Waiting
So how do we become people who are ready? As we live in the world between incarnation and glorification, how do we make room for a King who came and will come again?
Pray – Prepare space in your heart by deepening your relationship with the God who holds the cosmos in the palm of His hands and wants to be your refuge. Push back on the curse of a fractured relationship by coming boldly before His throne (Hebrews 4:16) to lay your burdens and rest in a God who by His very nature is love embodied.
Practice Anticipation – Keep the anticipation of the coming King at the forefront of your mind by incorporating a daily practice during the Advent season. Use an Advent calendar, follow an Advent devotional, Scripture reading plan, or light an Advent candle each week. These simple rhythms can keep our hearts centered on expectation and hope. Many calendars use Scripture to remind us that God became man or even a fun or meaningful act that gives a nod to expectation and hope.
Be Generous – Follow the example of God Himself and be a person who sacrifices your time and money. By laying aside some of our own interests, we often find our hearts expand as we give to God’s work over protecting ourselves.
Worship – Make space to remember who Jesus is and respond to Him. Gather with the Church and let worship reorient your attention toward the King who has come and will come again. Join us for Advent services at Grace beginning Nov. 21/22 and Christmas Candlelight Dec. 19/20.
All Things New
Enjoy this season of hope in a glorious future, because Christ has come and Christ will come again. Let heaven and nature sing.
For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Isaiah 9:6
