Regional Synod of Canada - Reformed Church in America

Pioneer Christian Monthly

Date - Nov/85

Contributor - Annette Curry

Title - Looking Forward

Topic - Advent

What things do you look forward to? The coffee pot is on and I look forward to a hot cup of coffee. My sister has written a letter and tells of her plans to visit in three weeks and I look forward to seeing her again. School is almost over for the day and I look forward to seeing my daughter come home.

As Christmas approaches we took forward to celebrating Christ' s birth and the season of Advent has been set aside with the idea of preparation for this joyous celebration. The Advent season lasts four weeks in its anticipation of Christmas. We recall the redeeming works of Christ and relive the expectation of the coming Messiah. We not only remember the past but also celebrate His presence in today's world. Finally, we look forward to the future when Christ shall surely come again.

So, as I look forward to celebrating Christmas, there are many things I think of. I look forward to the festivities that are especially rewarding when celebrating with our excited preschoolers. I look forward to the beautiful Christmas carols, the singing of choirs, the Christmas programs and the holiday season. It is fun to go out and buy gifts for family and friends and to witness unselfish giving by many people. However, if my celebration of Christmas does not include time spent on meditating Christ's presence in the past, present and future, then my anticipation generally ends in disappointment. I will not really experience the real meaning of Christmas but remain only at a material level.

I need to recall His humble birth which was the beginning of His redemptive plan for mankind. Reflection on His life and ministry will encourage me to strive for a more Christ-like lifestyle. His death and resurrection point the way to salvation and a promise of life to come, and Advent especially reminds us of His future return. What a great event to look forward to!

As you prepare to celebrate Advent I hope you will make use of this occasion to remember the past rejoice in the present and look forward to the future which Christ has prepared for you. Then you will truly be able to sing.

"Come, Thou long expected Jesus

Born to set Thy people free

From our fears and sins release us

Let us find our rest in Thee."

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