Editor's note: "A pandemic advent: the arrival of a Savior for all" is a sampling of biblical meditations composed by members of the Concordia University Wisconsin community. It is our prayer that you will take time during the Advent season to read and reflect upon God's Word and await the coming of Jesus with newfound anticipation and zeal through the Holy Spirit.
December 22 – Moving from apprehension to anticipation
Isaiah 43:1–24, Revelation 9:13–10:11
Happy December 22nd—or as I like to say, Merry Christmas Eve Eve Eve! As the celebration of our Savior’s birth grows near, I become filled with anticipation. I’ve been listening to my Christmas playlist on Spotify since October, I’ve had gifts wrapped since July, and my now-vacated dorm room has had a Christmas tree up since early November—which, if we’re being honest, I probably won’t find time to take down until late March. I love everything about Christmas—from family movie nights and sibling video game tournaments to the candlelight Christmas Eve service. The joy that surrounds Christmas has always captivated me, and I love to prolong that Christmas season for as long as possible.
This year, however, with anticipation for the Christmas season comes apprehension. At this time next year, I will have just finished student teaching and will likely have plans in place for my first teaching placement. It’s mildly terrifying— to say the least—to know that this is likely the last Christmas where I consider my childhood home my official place of residence. With this upcoming, life-altering event, I’m reminded of my first semester at Concordia—hundreds of miles from home and feeling lost, scared, and alone—and I think to today’s reading from Revelation. Horses with the heads of lions spitting smoke, sulfur, and fire? And to think, I thought moving across the state was scary!
We all have times of fear and uncertainty in our lives. Whether it stems from moving across the country, getting a new job, starting a new relationship, reading the book of Revelation, or another unplanned circumstance—hey, remember that whole pandemic thing?—we know that we do not need to be afraid, for we have God.
Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you. (Isaiah 43:1b-2). We rejoice in this Advent season as we anticipate the birth of our Savior, knowing He is with us wherever we go and in whatever we do.
SARAH JACKEMEYER is a student at CUAA
View a full schedule of “The arrival of a Savior for all” readings here.
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