(Dated–but still highly relevant I think–KSH).
This coming Sunday, we enter into the sacred time of Advent. We do so with renewed vigor as we prepare for the wondrous feast of Christmas. The cards, gifts, and busyness of these weeks can get close to overwhelming. The hymns, however, remind us of the depth of this time, from “O Come, O Come Emmanuel” to the multiple carols echoed throughout the centuries. Beneath it all we are in communion with the One who is Yesterday, Today, and Forever. He brings us to the joy of Christmas with the birth of His Son and continues to sustain us through all the times and seasons.
So the question we must ask ourselves is are we ready for Advent? It is a season of expectation and anticipation. It is a season of preparation and eager longing. It is the season when we look forward. Are you ready? It is a season when we look backward to celebrate the birth of the Son of God in history ”“ in our human history, and we look forward to see him again when he comes in glory at the end of time. Are you ready? Advent clarifies our belief that he will, in fact, come again, and it confirms our desire and longing to see Him. Advent takes all of our prayers and all of our longing for heaven and rolls them up into a single season when it is clearly our desire and our prayer to tell the Lord to hurry up ”“ we’re waiting.”¦ But, ARE WE READY?!