Editor's note: "Unmasking 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 13 – The advent of what is
Isaiah 29:15-30:14 and Revelation 1:1-20
Today is a new day. I wake and begin thinking about the day’s challenges. The “What-if’s” start racing through my mind. “What-if” I have heating issues on campus? “What-if” I have staff call in today? “What-if” the absence is related to COVID? “What-if” I have an employee resign? How will I cover the needs? All of these “What-if’s” are anticipating something, but it is not the right something!
It’s time to change the “What-if’s” to see “What-IS!” Advent is about salvation through Christ Jesus our Lord! What-IS! Advent is anticipating and waiting for our newborn Savior to enter this world. What-IS! Advent is anticipating the joy that Jesus will bring into our lives. The prophecy in Isaiah 29 sheds even more light: In that day the deaf shall hear the words of the book, and out of their darkness, the eyes of the blind shall see. The meek shall obtain fresh joy in the Lord, and the poor among mankind shall exult in the Holy One of Israel (verses 18-19).
There are no more “What-if’s” here, only What-IS! The Christ Child of Bethlehem is coming! There are so many questions about Jesus, then and now. Jesus directly and simply tells us what He IS. I am the alpha and the Omega says the Lord God, who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty (Revelation 1:8)
And as we face questions and fears still today, Jesus tells us what He is all about: Fear not, I am the first and the last and the Living One. I died and behold I am alive forevermore! (Revelation 1:17) In this Advent season and in every other day, by the power of the Holy Spirit, let us leave our “What if’s” to the Living One. He is our salvation, and He is the one who takes away our anxieties and fears so that every single one of our “What if’s” can be laid before Him. He is the one to give us eternal life, and we will be “What IS” in His kingdom forever!
JERRY NOVAK is the Director of Buildings and Grounds at Concordia University Ann Arbor. He has served at Concordia since 1997.
View a full schedule of “An uncommon Advent” readings here.
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