A Light for My Path

The word advent means “the arrival of a notable person, thing, or event” (Oxford online dictionary). From a Christian perspective, Advent is the time period encompassing the four Sundays preceding Christmas. Each year we reflect on and prepare for the coming of the Christ child. We read special devotionals, sing carols, decorate trees, light candles, attend pageants, and listen once again to the story of the shepherds, the angels, the wise men, and the baby born in a stable.

This is a beautiful and memorable tradition to hold every year, to celebrate with friends and family, and to pass down to our children. Reminding them that Christmas is more than Santa, elves, reindeer, and presents.

But, if Advent is a time of waiting and anticipation, what are we really waiting for? What do we hope will happen?

The Bible recounts so many miracles associated with the birth of Jesus. Zechariah and Elizabeth (Mary’s relative), unable to conceive for years, suddenly being told by an angel that they would have a son. And, not just any son – one who would be a harbinger of the Messiah. An angel telling Mary that she, a virgin, had been picked to bear that Messiah. Another angel, perhaps the same one, telling Joseph not to worry; Mary had not been unfaithful, but he was about to become the earthly father of the long-anticipated Savior.

More angels yet, probably scaring the wits out of a group of shepherds just sitting in a field watching their sheep. Telling them to go into town and see a newborn baby in a stable. What? A heavenly message imparted to a group of Asian kings telling them to follow a star to the home of the Christ child. And warning them not to go back to talk to Herod.

So many miracles!

Just because they all happened more than two thousand years ago, do we not believe miracles happen these days? Have we given up hope? Have we stopped asking?

Is your heart hurting? Are you afraid? Do you feel unworthy? It’s the season of miracles. Go ahead and ask.

What are we waiting for?

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Laura