“’And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.’” John 1:14, NKJV
The day was turning into night when my phone dinged, alerting me to a new message. As I opened the message, a beautiful photograph appeared. My granddaughter home from college for Christmas was running in the neighborhood when she spotted an amazing sunset. She quickly snapped the picture and said, “Such a pretty sunset right over your house! I know we can never see them from our side of the lake.” While the sunset was indeed stunning, I wonder how many times I have missed God’s glory when it is “right over my house?”
In a world which appears to be plagued by violence, war, and insecurity, is humanity more focused on the darkness than on God’s glory? Satan wants nothing more than for you and me to be all consumed by the noise we hear rather than see with our eyes the truth of God’s presence among us.
During this Advent season, I invite you to join me in a simple exercise of the heart. The meaning of the word, Advent, is “The arrival of a notable person, thing, or event” (Oxford Dictionary). A heavenly angel announced the physical arrival of Jesus on the night He was born. But God’s Word from the beginning of time, through the appearance of His glory has prepared humanity to live expectantly for Him. At Christmastime, during Advent, Christians celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ into the world over 2000 years ago. Scripture also tells us of a future Advent that we should expect. “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also” (John 14:3, emphasis mine).
Jesus is coming again! His glory is all around us. Keep your eyes open and live each day expectantly.