(This week concludes my Looking to Advent series!)
When we Pause, Prepare, and remember the Promises, we find the strength to Persevere through anything that this world can throw at us. And make no mistake–the world will throw things at us.
However, James 1:4 (NIV) exhorts us: “Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.”
Because that’s our end-goal, isn’t it? To be strong and courageous, to be able to stand strong and not be blown this way or that by the whims of the world. To stand as a house or a fort upon a rock that doesn’t crumble when the wind and waves beat against it.
A fort that has been well-stocked and reinforced can withstand attacks. Our enemy will never stop trying to derail us. The yearly reminder of Advent should serve as a regular supply train coming to our aid. It is a celebration to refuel and refresh us. The repetition of familiar promises and stories is a chance to learn something new that will help our faith grow and our roots go deeper down into the ground.
How many of you watch reruns of a show you’ve already seen many times? Go ahead, admit it. I do it too! There’s something comforting about knowing how the story will end, that everything will work out all right in the end.
Friends, we know how our story ends! We celebrate Advent because knowing that Jesus came once means He’s going to come again! Jesus made us a promise in John 14: “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” (v.1-2 NIV)
That is our hope! Jesus came once and until He comes again, He is preparing a place for us to live: our forever home. He promised that He will come again once His preparations are finished. Because we know that, we can persevere through trials. We have the comfort of Advent to refresh us even in the hardest seasons. Jesus came to give life abundant, like He said in John 10:10, and because of Advent, that gift is extended to all believers.
It won’t always be easy. Jesus Himself reminds us in John 16:33 (NIV), “In this world you will have trouble–but take heart, I have overcome the world.” Jesus recognized that we would face trouble in the world, He left us the gift of His Peace, which enables us to Persevere through our trials.
Friends, Jesus came for all of us. He came to give us hope and a future. When we Pause, we make space to draw close to Him. From that space, He can Prepare us and remind us of His Promises, which enable us to Persevere through whatever life throws our way. These practices allow us to fan the flame called Hope and keep it alive.
I hope you have enjoyed this five week journey along with me. With one week to go til Christmas, choose to breathe and slow down and truly enjoy the season.
Blessings,
~Lynne
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