Advent: Yearning for the King
Advent is all about anticipation. The word itself comes from the Latin word adventus, meaning “coming”. For Christians, this season is twofold. We look back and celebrate that Jesus has already come to earth, while simultaneously looking forward and longing for his second coming. We sit in this hopeful tension. We see the sin and bitter brokenness of our world. We beg God for renewal. Yet, our eternal hope reminds us that the story does not end here. Jesus will come again. As believers, our plea for restoration becomes intrinsically tied with rejoicing in this promise:
O come, O come, Emmanuel
And ransom captive Israel
That mourns in lonely exile here
Until the Son of God appear
Rejoice, rejoice, Emmanuel
Shall come to thee, O Israel