December: A New Year
Often, our concept of time is a little skewed. Perhaps, this is most evident in children. A few weeks ago, Nora, Kayla, and I were on the way to Kentucky to see Kayla’s family. We were only about thirty minutes into a two-hour long trip before Nora made the comment, “This is taking forever!” Of course, we had to set expectations about how we had quite a way to go before we reached our destination, but that is seldom helpful for a child. For children, they can struggle to understand any concept of time that is not the here and now. But if we are honest, no one likes to be kept waiting.
The month of December brings about a season of waiting for God’s people as the Liturgical calendar begins a new season for the church. The beginning of the Liturgical calendar is marked by the season of Advent, which celebrates the coming birth of Jesus Christ. There is both a rich biblical and church tradition evident within the season of Advent. The Gospel of Luke provides one of the best introductions to the biblical season of Advent.
Luke 2:1-14
In those days Caesar Augustus issued a decree that a census should be taken of the entire Roman world. (This was the first census that took place while[a] Quirinius was governor of Syria.) And everyone went to their own town to register. So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
While the exact beginning of Advent is debated amongst historians and biblical scholars, our earliest evidence currently available suggests that Advent began in the late 4th century. (Circa 380 AD) If we use that date, which appears historically reliable; then Advent has been a part of our Great Tradition for over sixteen-hundred years. The church celebrates the season of Advent as we wait with anticipation for the birth of the Christ child. During the four Sundays preceding Christmas day we light a candle to represent the hope, peace, joy, and love that comes with the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. The time of the service in which the candle is lit should be recognized as a moment of corporate worship and personal reflection.
Although one may not be inclined to set New Year’s Resolutions, the season of Advent provides the opportune time for reflection as we look towards what the coming year will bring. Let us use this season to remember our hope in the risen Christ, so that we may obtain the peace which passes all understanding, leading to joy that is never-ending; all brought together because of the love of God who would give his only begotten son for us. My prayer for all of us is that we continue to pursue our God with an unbridled faith, and we give thanks for all that we have learned over the last year.
Grace and peace to you,
Rev. Taylor Kibler
