By Ms Lilian Poon
The Advent season marks not only the beginning of the Christian liturgical calendar that begin on the fourth Sunday before Christmas, but also a celebration to commemorate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. The word “Advent” comes from Latin adventus ('coming; arrival') synonymous with the Greek word Parousia that alluded to Christ second coming.[1]
A few things come to mind as I think of Advent leading to Christmas. Most Christians remember Advent with thankfulness that Christ came in the flesh incarnated to atone the sin of the world. For others, this season is associated with opportunities for a consumeristic culture to feed on the insatiable appetite of materialism. We think of this as the time to put up the Christmas trees, throw parties, or rushing about with buying of gifts. Christmas carols that ring through the malls painted pictures of silent nights fill with peace and joy, or happiness as we anticipate the new year.
How is it really like during the first Advent of Christ two thousand over years ago? Is it all sleigh bells ringing joyously or silent nights that we are programmed to think through the songs and nativity scenes displayed everywhere? As we read the gospels of Matthew and Luke, we might be surprised that the first Advent is not at all like that. On the contrary, it was a chaotic season full of treachery, anxiety, uncertainty and celebration, all rolled into one.
Let’s begin with Matthew 2:1-3 “Now after Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men from the East came to Jerusalem, saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him. When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.” Subsequently, Herod flew into a murderous rampage of all male children who were under two years old (Matthew 2:16). The fear and insecurity of one antagonist ushered in a season of grief for many, Advent for them is not a time of celebration but grief and weeping. The first Advent also sees a group of genuine seekers who sought for the signs of the coming Messiah. This include the wise men from the East, the company of shepherds who were innocently keeping sheep out in the fields, and the host of angels who announced the good news with joy (Matthew 2:1-20; Luke 2:1-20). In the midst of these chaos, there is a glimmer of hope prevailing with divine guidance and grace to Joseph, who was led by a dream to seek refuge in Egypt with Mary and baby Jesus. God preserved the life of the Messiah in his infancy in order to fulfil prophecy He will call His Son out of Egypt (Matthew 2:15).
So, Advent and Christmas are really not a bed of roses with silent nights to begin with. On the contrary, it was a mixed bag of adversities so that God’s unwavering Light and Hope may shine through. It was a season of transitions with winds blowing in all directions, most beyond our understanding. On hindsight, we see the God’s steady hand to steer the ship to His greater purpose and plans.
Are you in a season similar to the first Advent? Filled with excitement in anticipation of Advent/Christmas, but at the same time burdened with challenges, antagonism and anxiety? You are not alone! Just know that out of this chaos, God’s sure hand will guide you with the light like the North Star. Quoting and reminding us with this joyous message from a certain angel in Matthew 2:10-11:
“Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause immense joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord.”
Let us take to heart the message of Advent - one filled with hope and salvation undergirded by His assurance to guide us through the tumultuous seasons. Let us adhere to the message we heard all year from the book of Joshua “Be strong and courageous!” as we enter into Advent this year.
[1] Advent. (n.d.). Retrieved from Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Advent#:~:text=It%20begins%20on%20the%20fourth,referring%20to%20the%20Second%20Coming.
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