A Latin word that translates into our English word "coming."
Advent.
An anglicized form of the above Latin term, Advent denotes the time beginning four Sundays prior to Christmas -- a 4+ week season observed by many Christian worshipers as a period of expectant waiting and mindful preparation for the celebration of the Incarnation of Jesus.
This morning, on this first day of Advent, I am keenly aware of an unmistakable sense of longing and expectation that is within me. It brings memories of days gone by, seasons that I celebrated in the company of long-lost relatives and friends. It brings back to me a haunting melody from my college days, a chant sung by the Biola Chorale in La Mirada, CA:
Veni Creator Spiritus
Come, Holy Spirit, Creator
Mentes tuorum visita
and in our hearts take rest;
imple superna gratia,
Come with supernatural grace
quae tu creasti pectora.
To fill the hearts You have created.
Today, Advent collides with my heart like bad news bumped into the heart of Job, the famous biblical character we have come to associate with severe losses. In spite of the collision, Job found a song to sing:
"Though He slay me,
yet will I hope in Him . . ."
Job:13-15a
Often, I have been granted words for others . . .
quiet words
tender words
gracious words
beautiful words
encouraging words
words to savor
words to uplift
words to uphold
words to empower
words to strengthen
Yet, for months and weeks and days, such words took a sabbatic leave when it came to my blogging. Interactive media such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram allowed others to see a bit of my pain. But it was hard to find the words and even harder to take the time to write a full post.
I pled . . .
I hurt . . .
I hurt . . .
I wept . . .
I ached . . .
. . . in relative silence!
I knew not really what to say to my heart.
The quietude of my grief was much too loud for me to hear the words I needed.
Like Israel was experiencing over 2,000 years ago, I have felt oppressed and jostled by life's circumstances. Hearts ached, spirits were arid, bodies sagged, and souls were desperate for freedom and newness -- Oh boy, do I relate!
But also like ancient Israel, I am learning to sing the words of the psalmist,
"I wait for the Lord,
my soul waits,
and in His Word I hope."
Ps 130:5, ESV
Hope.Certainly, hope is the first message of Advent -- a message filled with grace and truth. For this first week of Advent, daily messages on the topic of hope will be posted here. It is an opportunity for you and me to focus on the Savior, the Creator of the world who came, who comes daily, and who will come one final time to fetch us (all those who believe in Jesus) home.
May I learn to hope in the Lord alone, the One and only who can wipe away my tears, who can iron out the wrinkles of my heart, who can turn my mourning into dancing again, who can set my feet on a rock solid foundation today and forever!
Yes, my hope is in the Lord of lords.
