On Advent

As the first week of Advent comes to a close, I'd like to reflect a little bit on what Advent actually is.

This time of year is often the "pregame" for Christmas; we hear the carols and see the decorations, and at some point the tree goes up. At the same time, those of us who go into churches with vestments see penetential colors, and in daily Bible readings we hear about the Cross, not the manger. What's going on?

Advent is both of these things. We shouldn't reduce it to pre-Christmas, but it is the anticipation of the arrival of the Lord. That's what Advent means, from advenire, a to-coming, an arrival. At the same time, it's the time where we reflect on and remember why it is that we need a Saviour, and what the Lord who is come has done for us. It's a season in tension, and a season of the cry for salvation as well as the answer, God's answer. Jesus, God's Word to us, who is come and will come again - Advent is an anticipation of what has been and what is yet to come.

Advent is a time of the Church, a Christian time, where an already and a not-yet coexist. The Advent of Christ is in the incarnation and in the return. Our salvation is, and comes yet to us. Advent is the season of the sinner who is yet a saint, remembering and anticipating the Lord who is come and is yet to come.

So by all means, celebrate the coming Lord - but don't forget our need for Him.

Merry Tension.