Man from Heaven, Come

Advent provides us space for reflection, to pause and examine our external surroundings and our inner workings, to take note of what is happening around us and what is transpiring within us. When we look around us, it’s hard to ignore the pain, suffering, and brokenness that exists in our world. Our news feeds are filled with reports of everything from social injustice and criminal activity to natural disasters and economic insecurity. Our communities and families are dealing with health challenges, financial hardship, broken relationships, and struggles with addiction. And it’s not just the world around us that is askew; when we take an honest look at the condition of our hearts, we discover glimpses of a fallen humanity up close and personal. Even on our best of days, we succumb to thoughts (and sometimes actions) of envy, bitterness, greed, selfish ambition, and lust. 

If Advent were just a time of reflection, then we would find ourselves in a sad state. Instead, Advent calls us to more—to the practice of expectation and anticipation. Throughout this season, the Spirit of God calls us to hope. Yes, the world is broken, and things are not as they should be, but that is not the end of the story. There is more, and that more changes everything!

The story of humanity was forever altered in the garden of Eden when Adam and Eve ate of the forbidden fruit (Genesis 3:6). Sin entered the story, and what was right and good became blemished and problematic. With sin came death, and it would seem as though all hope was lost (Romans 5:12). Hope for a heaven on earth was a thing of the past. 

Until the man of heaven arrived. With the birth of Jesus, came the birth of hope for humanity. If through the sin of one man, Adam, the world was made wrong; through the obedience of the Son of Man, Jesus, the world could be put right (v.19).

For those who choose to believe in the man of heaven, our hope will always be greater than the effects of sin. Yes, the world is broken. Yes, we all fall short of the glory of God. But through Jesus, we have been made alive. Sin and death are no longer our lot in life; instead, we are empowered to reign in life (v.17), united with God and eagerly awaiting the return of Jesus, our Savior and King.

Today, acknowledge what is wrong with the world. Lament over the suffering sin has brought to your community. Open your heart before the Lord, and confess personal sin. But also receive the hope you have in Christ. Because the Son of heaven has come, you can know the touch of heaven on this earth. Because of Jesus, you can reign in life. Because of Jesus, this broken world is not your home. Because of Jesus, hope fulfilled is the end of your story, and that is why you can smile at the days ahead.