Hello there!
It’s been a minute since I posted fall promises, and it is a joy to be here again and have you visit! I hope y’all had a great Thanksgiving. I hope grad school is treating you well by God’s grace.
Anticipation is a subtle way of life for a grad student. There is always something to work towards. There is a next thing (or a list) to do after a completed task. Suggestions for the next steps in optimizing an experiment for better outcomes usually come up. Constant anticipation and work towards an end have been wedged into the tapestry of grad school. To digress is analyzing the topic of anticipation from an international student’s perspective. It is of many layers and complexities…God only knows. Then, what to anticipate this Christmas season?
The people walking in darkness have seen a great light; on those living in the land of deep darkness a light has dawned.
Isaiah 9:2 (NIV).
As much as I love talking about the interpretation of expectation for a grad student, this blog post is all about ‘Tis the reason for the season. Advent!! As we deck the halls and ring the bells, advent does not first come to mind. (Guilty!)
What is advent, you say? I’m glad you asked. Advent is a time of anticipation and preparation for the nativity of Christ at Christmas. As significant as advent is, it kinda gets lost in the mix of getting ready for the holidays and decorating for Christmas. Yep, Ikr. So, while we tune in to Christmas playlists, and set up the beautiful tree (which are so much fun BTW), here is a message on what to anticipate this Christmas season also.
Some years back, I listened to a cover of the hymn O come, Emmanuel by Anna Hawkins on YouTube. She sang both the Hebrew and English translation. The song was uplifting and convicting simultaneously for me. It was real, and the words came alive like the telling of a story. It tells of Israel’s desire to see the promised King. Years of bondage and adversity mixed with the weariness of waiting were portrayed in words. The song also reflects the passion with which the nation of God’s people waited for their Messiah. The words of the hymn gripped me, and emotions surged.
In theology, we have learned that there was a long period of silence between the Old Testament and the New Testament. After a series of prophecies, there was suspense as the people waited for their promised savior. How long would the wait be? To what end will the suffering be? In our world, today, does that sound relatable? The huge mess the world finds itself in today is not so different. The impact of a longing world for a better system can not be overstated. Every day we hope and pray for peace. Despite that, the world never stops existing and the human race keeps going.
Coming back to the advent of Jesus’ birth into this world. At the time, Isreal must have waited so long for the Messiah. They probably lost hope and stopped waiting for the King of Isreal. They started having misconceived expectations of the savior. They expected a grand entrance and were focused on the wrong signs. But God had other plans. It took so long and looked like God had forgotten about His people. Perhaps, there is no messiah, some would have thought, dejected. Maybe it was a false hope. Well, we all know it was a living hope, and the promise did arrive in a manger. Praise God!! Jesus came through. He came through the virgin Mary for the remission of sins and deliverance of the Israelites and the entire mankind. Halleluyah!
This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him.
1 John 4:9 (NIV).
Advent is an essential element of a Christian and our journey in this world. We always find ourselves waiting, hoping, and trusting God to show up in one way or another. An answered prayer, a healing, a deliverance, a long-awaited testimony. Holding on; “one more semester and I will see my family again”. It could be expecting that visa approval, so you could see your love again. Maybe a little break at work to travel and many more examples that I may have left out but which constitute several people’s experiences. The encouragement is first; these longings and desires are valid. Let your anticipation be connected to the one who can care for them all. When your expectations align with God, He knows how to move. Don’t give up. Don’t faint. The answer is just around the corner. He who promised is faithful.
The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.
I Thessalonian 5:24 (NIV).
There are many lessons to learn from advent as we permit the Holy Spirit to minister to us. Even much more is the second coming of Jesus! The advent has started friends, it is closer than we think. Jesus is indeed coming back. He will end the strife, conflicts, death, and troubles of this world. He is harvesting His people and taking them home. Please choose Jesus today over everything and revel in His return. What a reunion that would be!
Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas! 💝
Special note: Would you give your life to Jesus Christ? He is the way, the truth and the life. If yes, please pray the prayers below:
Lord Jesus, thank you for your death and resurrection for the salvation of my soul. Please forgive all my sins. I choose you today to follow and to obey. May your love and the holy spirit lead and guide my purpose for your glory. Thank you, my Lord and savior. Amen!
Grace and blessings,
Olushola.
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