His Coming – Week One

The celebration of Advent is possible only to those who are troubled in soul, who know themselves to be poor and imperfect, and who look forward to something greater to come. – Dietrich Bonhoeffer

Christians all around the world set aside this time of year to celebrate Advent. The word “advent” originates from a Latin word meaning coming or arrival. Not only do we celebrate that Jesus took on human form and was born in a little town called Bethlehem, but we look forward in hope to the day when He will return. 

Yet, we cannot fully appreciate the coming of Jesus if we don’t recognize our deep need for a Savior. Advent prompts each of us to prepare our hearts for the work of our King. This Advent, I want to challenge you to be open to listening, learning, and receiving. And to be willing to acknowledge what holds you back from coming into God’s presence with open hands. 

The gift of Jesus is not something we can earn, manipulate, or pay back. It is something we must receive. For most of us, receiving is hard. Even if we believe in Jesus and are God’s children, we often miss all that God offers us.

Listen to a few Scriptures that point to the beautiful gift of Jesus: 

• But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God, even to those who believe in His name, who were born, not of blood nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God. John 1:12-13 NASB
• For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 6:23
• But to each one of us, grace was given according to the measure of Christ’s gift. Ephesians 4:7

We cannot fully embrace Jesus without admitting our faults and shortcomings. Receiving begins with acknowledging we have a need. Whether it is intellectually, relationally, or financially most of us prefer to be self-sufficient. When other people have needs, we are happy to help, but we don’t like to admit our deficiency. 

Receiving God’s gift relinquishes control. When I am in control (or at least think that I am), I determine what happens next. It seems I can predict, achieve, and do what I want. I can meet my needs. Embracing Jesus puts Him in control and places us in His debt. We move from self-sufficient to dependency. 

Not only does receiving God’s gift challenge us to let go of control, it always transforms us. The humility of Jesus brings humility, the love of God yields love, and the power of the Spirit fills us with power. But we can only change when we learn to accept the way of Jesus and cultivate a heart of selflessness.

Many obstacles keep us from receiving. So today – it is up to you to choose. During this season of Advent, determine to embrace the gift of Jesus’s coming – allow Him in, let Him change you, and take hold of the hope only He can give.