The Promises of Advent

There is a dissonance that exists between the Pinterest worthy Christmas and the reality of our anxious hearts and broken spirits that long for peace, justice, and redemption. The doubt that looms in the space between our sin and the promise of our redemption; between the love of Christ and the brokenness of his church; between the power of Christ and what appears to be his lack of intercession in the world around us, can all be set to rest when we ponder the promises of Advent.

Let us consider the hope found in 2 Peter 3, “...in the last days [scoffers will] say, “Where is the promise of [Jesus’] coming? For...all things are continuing as they were from the beginning of creation… But do not overlook this one fact beloved…the Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance… According to his promise we are [a]waiting [a] new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells....You therefore, beloved... take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stability. But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (v. 1-4, 8-9, 13, 17-18).

In the midst of our longing for the world to be made whole, let us not be tempted to despair, but rather let us rest in the Advent of our Savior. Christ has come and he will come again as the world’s mighty God, Everlasting Father, and Prince Peace.

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