For countless generations the children of Abraham waited for the Messiah. Most expected a king, a hero. Some expected a Savior. In the ancient book of Genesis, the scribes read God’s promise that from the seed of woman would come One who would bruise the head of the deceiver (Gen. 3:15).
God’s promise to bridge the chasm between Himself and man, the sages reasoned. Sin could yet be overcome by God’s action. He would send a Messiah.
So the children of Abraham waited. They waited through the time of the judges, the time of the kings, the times of exile. But no Messiah arose. Pretenders came, but their claims to be God’s chosen quickly proved false and Israel waited.
Always they waited in hope. The strong arm of their God had delivered them time and time again. God would prove Himself true once more, they knew. They could live in hope whether they laid down at night in Jerusalem or Babylon or wherever.
Always they waited in peace, not because of their circumstances but because of the One in whom they hoped. Confidence in the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob meant they were not blown about by the winds of change. God would send a Messiah. He promised, and that promise was their solid rock.
Always they waited in joy. Their destiny was greater than any before them. It exceeded the grandeur of David and Solomon. It was more than taskmasters could comprehend. The pain and sorrow and disappointment of today would give way to the presence of God’s Messiah. Tomorrow their perils would be no more. That, in itself, was cause for joy.
Always they waited in love. Abraham’s children — called by God to be a kingdom of priests, a holy nation, a peculiar people — were loved by their Creator. That is why He promised a Messiah. The children’s love for God was not as constant but, at their best, the children of Abraham reflected God’s love.
Finally, in the fullness of time, the Messiah was born. He was born in a stable to an humble couple, not an auspicious beginning for a king. But His kingdom was not of this world. He was the Suffering Servant, the Lamb of God sacrificed for the sins of the world. No one would call Him a hero by the world’s standards.
Yet His birth was bathed in love. A young teenage girl named Mary lovingly submitted to the will of God as announced by the angel. Now she looked on the One who would be her Savior with loving eyes that reflected her loving heart.
Beside her stood the awestruck shepherds who had heard the angel chorus proclaim “joy to the world.” A Savior was born. Joy filled their hearts because they beheld the fulfillment of God’s long ago promise. They gazed upon the Messiah, the Christ.
From afar came three magi, wise men from the east. They had discerned the signs in the sky and came searching for the new King. Peace was their goal, peace among nations and peace with God. Little did they understand that the Child before them would offer peace that passes understanding to all who believe on Him as their personal Savior and Lord.
That night, the night God’s promise of a Messiah was fulfilled, hope was in the air. The hope of countless generations lay before them in a feeding trough probably chiseled out of a rock. This Messiah, this Christ, this Jesus, this Son of Mary, was the hope of a mother, the hope of the wise, the hope of the simple shepherds. He was the hope of God for a lost and dying world.
On this side of the cross, those who believe in Jesus as their Lord and Savior also wait for His coming. Like those of old, we wait in hope. He will come. God promised and God cannot lie. One day time will be no more. One day Jesus will return and we shall be with Him forever and forever.
On this side of the cross we wait in joy. The grandest language known to man could not capture the essence of what awaits those who belong to Christ. The troubles of this day will pass away. God will wipe away all tears. His presence will be our eternal light, and nothing shall separate us from Him forever and forever and forever.
On this side of the cross we wait in peace. Our Lord returns not as a Babe in a manger, not as a Suffering Servant. He returns as Victor. He has conquered death and sin and hell. His victory will be ours. He Himself will be the bridge across the sin-caused chasm that separates man from God. He is our peace with God. He gives us peace in the midst of storms.
On this side of the cross, we wait in love. God’s love caused Him to offer His only Son for us. God’s love beckons us to His side. God’s love forgives our sin. God’s love is the reason for our peace and joy and hope. And we love God with heart and soul, with mind and strength. We love Him through faith in Jesus, God’s Messiah, the Christ, our Savior.
Every time a candle is lit around the outside ring of the Advent wreath, it speaks of hope, joy, peace and love. And when the large white candle in the center — the Christ candle — is lit it testifies to God’s Son, the Messiah, the Christ. It speaks of One who came during the season we call Christmas to take away the sins of the world. It also speaks of One who is coming again as King of kings and Lord of lords. Even so, come Lord Jesus, we pray.
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