Belmont University Advent GuideMfano

Growing up in Indiana, there were always distinct signs that Christmas was coming soon. The first flurries powdered the ground soft and white. Winter clothes and ornaments appeared from dark closets, ready to warm bodies and decorate trees. Music filled the air with joyous anticipation and reminded us of the reason for the season. Now that I am older, the signs that were so apparent to me as a child have slowly faded into the background. Work, school, and “business as usual” try to steal my attention, and they often succeed if I am not aware. In the scriptures, Paul encourages us to be “awake and sober” (1 Thess. 5.6), so that we do not miss the fullness of God’s promises. In the same way, the coming of Christ asks us to be aware and mindful of what we see happening around us (Luke 21.20–28). But why must we be aware of Christ’s coming? Why pay attention to these signs and seasons? The Psalms tell a story of justice and mercy for those who seek the Lord and put their trust in God. When Christ comes, He restores community, loosens the chains of spiritual bondage, and establishes righteousness on the earth. Christ invites us to enter into His Kingdom, and we must be ready to respond. We must have eyes that see and ears that hear the good news. As we look to the coming of Christ this Advent season, let us prepare ourselves to receive the good news—that we can participate in bringing God’s Kingdom into our lives and our communities. Let us prepare a place for Christ in our lives and in the lives of others. Having eyes that see and ears that hear, we can be fully aware this Advent season. We can turn our attention from the machine of progress to the peace of Christ. So however God reminds us, whether through freshly fallen snow, time spent with loved ones, a Christmas hymn, or Charles Dickens, may we respond with joy and gladness to the Gospel, the good news of Jesus’ coming. “When these things begin to take place, stand up and lift up your heads, because your redemption is drawing near” (Luke 21.28). Draw near to us and to our community, O Christ, even now. We welcome you here. Amen. Dean Adams Senior, Biblical Studies