Advent – “the arrival of a notable person, thing or event.”
“the coming or second coming of Christ.”
In this season we celebrate His coming as our Savior, and we anticipate His return.
“But do not let this one fact escape your notice, beloved, that with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years like one day. The Lord is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.”
So we wait, knowing that God comes in His perfect time and is patient with us. And how do we wait?
“In holy conduct and godliness….be diligent to be found by Him in peace, spotless and blameless, and regard the patience of our Lord as salvation…but grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.”
Jesus through His death and resurrection has reconciled us to God and presents us as “holy and blameless and beyond reproach.” (Colossians 1:22) We are found holy and blameless when we are in Christ.
And where is peace? How can we be found in peace? “For He Himself is our peace” (Ephesians 2:14a) “For the mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life and peace.” (Romans 8:6) “You will keep in perfect peace all who trust in you, all whose thoughts are fixed on you!” (Isaiah 26:3 NLT) There is peace in the presence of Jesus.
As we wait and anticipate His return we dwell in Christ: We listen to and set our mind on His Word; we speak His truth; we do His works. We wait and anticipate IN Him.
Prayer: Father God, thank you for the precious gift of Your Son. Enable me to dwell in Him this season and every day as I anticipate His coming. AMEN.
Submitted by: Angie Farris