Suggested Readings: Isaiah 40:1-11; Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13; 2 Peter 3:8-15; Mark 1:1-8
This year has been marked with trials that have rocked our world and community. It is easy to allow situations and circumstances to distract us from the expectancy and promise that Advent season brings to us as believers. The wars in the Middle East and Ukraine, the mass shootings in our community and our country, and the tragic loss of life within our own student body has rocked us to the core. The hurt and the pain are very real; nevertheless, God’s Word reminds us that his love never fails us even in the darkest of circumstances.
Isaiah 40:11 states that God gathers his lambs close to his heart and that he gently leads us. Oh, how we need this promise in a world that will never make sense to our human understanding. God’s comfort and protection with the assurance of a better life is the only source of real peace in a fallen world. 2 Peter 3 reminds us of our future with Christ and the truth that God is not slow to keep his promises. I need this reminder especially when I want God to bring justice immediately and my heart wants to seek retribution for the evil in the world. God’s ways and his timetable are not mine. I must trust God and know that his ways are higher and better than my ways.
I come to the question of the importance of Advent in 2023. When I consider God’s plan to announce the coming of the Savior through John the Baptist in Mark 1, I am simply struck with amazement. God’s plan for the announcement of our eternal hope in Christ involved a man of little means who ate bugs telling about a Savior to come. This Savior would be the answer for all mankind. Regardless of John’s appearance or what he ate, the people flocked to him as they yearned for the message of hope. No different for us today. Jesus is our only hope in times of trouble and immense suffering, and he is the only way to get through the trials of life. Some of us know this better than others.
My hope for all of us during this Advent season is that we will cling to the true source of hope for all mankind. The trials and troubles of this world are real; however, the promise of eternal life through Jesus our Lord is our comfort and the source of our daily strength. Let’s keep our eyes fixed on Christ, our Hope and Redeemer.
David F. Gregory
David Gregory
