Editor's note: "An uncommon Advent: the arrival of a Savior in our lives" 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 10 – When the uncommon becomes common
Isaiah 26:20-27:13 and 1 John 4:1-21
Often the Christmas season is spent in preparation: for family gatherings, meals with friends, Christmas concerts, and selecting the perfect gifts. Isaiah 26:20-27:13 reminds us that regardless of the season or holiday, we are in a time of preparation for the Second Coming of Christ, even as we look back at the Savior’s “first coming” of His earthly birth.
In the text, Isaiah details judgment that begins when Christ comes into the world and ends when He comes back once again. Despite seasonal preparations that occupy our time and thought, the time of Christ’s return and judgment is the time for which we’re actually preparing. If you’re anything like me, you’d rather spend time worrying about Christmas preparations than Christ’s judgment; however, as Christians, we have a duty in this time of waiting.
Unless a person has faith, unless they receive the Wisdom from on high, the only perception of the Christ they will have is when He comes again to judge the living and the dead, and they are separated as those who have no faith. These individuals reject God and will suffer for it. Out of compassion, we should then live in such a way that we witness to the coming Christ, living uncommonly through our thoughts, our words, our deeds. “Live Uncommon” is more than a tag line for Concordia University Wisconsin. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, it is what we are called to do in each of our vocations. Our thoughts, words, deeds, and lives, which stand out from the world, should testify to them that Christ is coming back.
We also pray that through our witness, through our preparation for the Lord’s coming, by the power of the Holy Spirit, they would come to faith in Christ and join the multitude of believers. In the day of His coming, Israel, the True Church, will spring forth like a blossom, giving off the fragrant smell of the righteousness of Christ. As we prepare for that day, we share that uncommon life, that everlasting life, with the hope that those who do not yet believe in Christ would join us. The day is coming when we shall see Christ again, judgment will be no more, and the uncommon righteousness of the life of Christ will be common, plentiful, abundant, and fragrant. Prepare! That wonderful day is coming!
-Elizabeth Polzin is the Assistant Vice President of Academics for Student Success and has served at CUW since 2016. View a full schedule of “An uncommon Advent” readings here.
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