Advent in Creation
by: Brooks Carlson
Read
New Testament – Matthew 2:1-12
Old Testament – Genesis 1:1-5
Meditate
What is Advent and how do we anticipate the Advent of Jesus through the entire storyline of the Bible? Advent is the arrival of a notable person, thing, or event. The Advent or long-awaited arrival of Jesus is the arrival of the Kingdom of God, and the beginning of the re-creation of the entire cosmos through Jesus. Every word in the Bible is saturated with the hope of the coming of the Messiah, and the infiltration of His Kingdom on earth bringing healing and new life. Throughout this Advent season we will explore how all of creation has hungered for the coming of Jesus since the fall of creation, and now continues to yearn for His return, and how we who wait should faithfully anticipate His return.
The arrival of Jesus into this world begins with a light, the Star of Bethlehem paving the way for the Men of the East to seek out the new King and pay homage to Him. The Men of the East offer an example of what it looks like to anticipate Jesus’ coming vigilantly. They see the signs, and they follow the light. They do not sit idly by and wait for Him to come to them. Instead, prepared with gifts fit for a King and hearts ready to worship, they travel great distances to meet the Savior. The Men of the East are determined to meet the Messiah, the one they know will put the world to rights. With the light of His star illuminating their path, they are led directly to His feet. Upon arrival, the men are overjoyed and worship Him.
During His ministry, Jesus referred to Himself as the light of the world. John speaks of Jesus in his Gospel account as the light of the world dispelling darkness and bringing about new creation to a people and a world where the effects of sin and death appear to rule with an iron fist. Jesus calls His disciples to emulate Him and be a light to the world displaying what it looks like and means to participate in His kingdom while awaiting His return.
In the book of Genesis, God’s first words were, “Let there be light.” In the unformed barren wasteland of the dawn of creation, God’s first word of order is the formation of supernatural light. The book of Genesis opens with the words “In the beginning.” John in His Gospel begins with the same words as Genesis. “In the beginning.” This language unmistakably should link us to the original creation, signaling that a new creation has begun with Jesus. He is the Word at the beginning of Creation. He is the light God spoke into the world from the beginning. And He is the light the Men of the East sought after and found in the City of David, Bethlehem.
Jesus’ arrival cuts through the darkness of this world, penetrating our hearts and exposing sin and shame that have a strong grip on our lives, but through Him are stripped of all power. Jesus came into this world to re-order it, in the same way that the light of Creation brought order to the cosmos. He comes into our lives to transform us into His new creation. He has filled our hearts with His light so that we might also walk in the light with Him, exposing the darkness through faithfulness, obedience, gentleness, generosity, hope, and peace. In light of this truth, we await His return as those who are not gripped by sin, but those who have been empowered by the Holy Spirit to turn from sin and seek Him, moving towards Him with hearts prepared to worship.
Kid’s Questions
- What are different kinds of lights and what are their functions?
- Why is Jesus called the light of the world?
- How can you and I be lights in the world according to Jesus?
Pray
Lord Jesus, we wait patiently for your return. God help us to seek your light in our lives today and every day. Illuminate the shadows that linger within us so that we might surrender them to your light. Create in us a new heart that loves you, and those around us, breaking the bonds of sin that remain.
Sing
Kid’s Song – We Three Kings
Family Song – So Will I (Hillsong)