Join With All Nature - Eagerly We Wait
The Christmas season brings a beautiful time of tinsel, snow, and cheer. Despite the widespread jolly, I can’t escape the fact that the world still feels like a mess. Every day, even during this season, I seem to grow slightly more attuned to the brokenness that surrounds us. Wars are ravaging societies and killing thousands. People line the streets, cold and hungry, begging for crumbs. Coworkers, siblings, and internet strangers hate each other. Yet another loved one dies.
Is this the world God intended? Where is God’s Kingdom? More than ever this year, I found myself pleading with God to show mercy, to reverse the evil that entraps us.
In my pleading, God repeatedly reminded me of the hope that is coming. It’s a hope that I long for, but I can’t see just yet.
This is the struggle of the now-and-not yet kingdom. Jesus’ reign is here; he is ruling right now. This Kingdom began its work at his first coming, when God came to earth as man to set sinners free. But this Kingdom work is not complete. In a world where the darkness feels so profound, I often fail to remember that truth.
In comes Advent. Advent is a time that we need – a time to reflect on the present reality of God’s reign amidst thick darkness and to look forward to his return, at which his kingdom will fully reign, and all will be made new. And it is wonderful that it comes at the end of the calendar year, a time which naturally prompts reflection. How have I seen God at work amidst brokenness this year? Where is He redeeming his creation and his people?
When I stop to reflect on those questions, God’s presence is profoundly clear. I think of the people in my missional community who show love tangibly to one another. I think of the youth in our church who serve with ambition, and who pray for the salvation of their friends at school. I even think of the reckoning occurring across the American church, which below the sadness and anger, might even be an act of grace to purify the church and draw us nearer to the true God.
Then I think of creation. I think of the snow-capped mountains and larger-than-life moose. I think of the whoosh of the shore’s waves. I see forests of evergreen trees dusted with snow and open skies of stars. How great are the works of God’s hands!
But even here, the darkness lingers. Garbage lines the shores. Chaotic storms devastate cities.
We wait eagerly, expectantly, longingly for the day described in Revelation 21 when Jesus declares from his throne “it is done!” On this cross, he declared “it is finished.” There, he finished his atoning work on our behalf. As he declares “it is done!”, all creation will be restored.
War will be no more.
“He shall judge between the nations, and shall decide disputes for many peoples; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore.” (Isaiah 2:4)
Poverty will be history.
“They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” (Revelation 7:16-17)
The streets will be pure, free from stain or decay.
“And the twelve gates were twelve pearls, each of the gates made of a single pearl, and the street of the city was pure gold, like transparent glass.” (Revelation 21:21)
Life will be eternal – God with us.
“Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man… He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” (Revelation 21:3-4)
This is the coming we wait for. This is the work of the Prince of Peace. This is Jesus’ final arrival, completing his eternal kingdom. Creation will flourish and rejoice; men and women will dance with unspeakable joy. All things new. Shalom. Complete and eternal flourishing of every person and thing. This is our hope, and as it came before as an infant in a manger, it is coming again.
Advent invites us to reflect on this coming redemption. Though the darkness drags on, it will be overcome by glory. This glory has shown itself in The Christ, who sustains us until the final redemption.
As we await Christ’s return, he invites us to work toward this day of redemption. As the church, we are living stones of God’s temple, given his Spirit to offer a foretaste of shalom to the world. This Advent, Christ is inviting us to join in his redemption by working toward the total flourishing of all things – our neighbors, coworkers, children, and city. As we do, weary sinners will learn of his grace and the rest given to those of his Kingdom.
May his grace and glory be revealed to us more brightly than before this Advent, stirring up hope and causing darkness to retreat.
“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” (John 1:5)
Songs to listen to:
Activity to do:
Invite a neighbor over for dinner or make a care package to drop off for a friend. Tangibly show the love of Christ while we await his return.