Anticipation . . . And . . . Arrival!
It was Christmas Eve, and the church was bright and busy, as musicians were heading for their places, those arriving hung up coats, greeted one another, found their seats, and settled in to enjoy the beautiful prelude. The sanctuary was warm and light, and soon many chairs and pews were occupied. The music ended, the lights dimmed, and a peaceful quiet came over the room. Into the hush the delicate carillon notes of “Carol of the Bells” poured out with clarity and light, and my heart filled with its beauty. When the bells stopped, a moment of silent anticipation again hung in the air. The lights blazed into brightness and the organ burst forth with “O Come, All Ye Faithful” as we rose to our feet to greet the arrival of the newborn king with praise and adoration.
There are times when a worship experience is especially meaningful, and that Christmas at St. Andrew is still a warm, beautiful memory. The glorious music, the opportunity to hear the familiar, forever-new story, and worshipping with those we love are wonderful gifts.
These four weeks of Advent have flown by, probably in part because of the everyday distractions of life, and to some extent, because we aren’t always sure what involves an Advent observance. So here are some “Advent basics.” First, take a look at the prophecies of the Old Testament, with God’s promise to his people that the time would come when they would be released from the bondage of sin and the demands of the law.
Then we move to the New Testament, where the Gospel of Luke describes the events of preparation for Christ’s birth. The first chapter gives an account of the visit of the angel Gabriel, who tells Mary that she has been chosen to be the mother of God’s Son. We further hear the story of the late-in-life pregnancy of Elizabeth and Zechariah after many childless years. When Mary visits Elizabeth, her relative, there is rejoicing and the humble question is asked, “And why has this happened to me, that the mother of my Lord comes to me?” This is probably the first testimony that Mary’s child-to-be is the Messiah. And remember, it’s Elizabeth’s child, John, who prepares the way for Jesus to begin his ministry.
The anticipation continues, with accounts of the angel’s visit to Joseph, the requirement to go to Bethlehem, and the arduous journey to an inhospitable place. The wait is difficult, but we don’t really have a choice, as events unfold in God’s time, not ours.
There are really only moments between anticipation and arrival – the child is expected and then he’s here! God comes to us in human form, a baby who is crying and fussing and hungry, and who also is sleepy and quiet and soft and cuddly, and so very real. We still have time to prepare and to enjoy the anticipation as we sing, “O come, O come, Emmanuel.”
Your friend in Christ,
Mary Rogers