One of the definitions of the word "promise"
is the uncommon usage "to send before or forward." When we
think of promises we usually think of pledges or vows that obligate
us to do something for someone else, rather than a verb form of "sending
forward." But isn't that exactly the message of Advent -- the sending
forward of a message of expectancy and hope. Listen again to the words
of the prophet Isaiah: "A voice cries: 'In the wilderness
prepare the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for
our God. Every valley shall be lifted up and every mountain and hill
made low; the uneven ground shall become level, and the rough places
a plain. And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh
shall see it together, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.' "
(Isaiah 40:3-5)
There is a yearning voice of expectancy in these
words ... an urgent tone of hopeful anticipation. It bears the same
tone of earlier verses: "For unto us a child is born ...
Unto us a son is given; and the government will be upon his shoulder,
and his name will be called 'Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting
Father, Prince of Peace.' Of the increase of his government and of peace
there will be no end, upon the throne of David, and over his kingdom,
to establish it, and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness
from this time forth and for evermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts
will do this." (Isaiah 9:6-7)
So pump up the excitement. Pump up the joy. Pump
up the eager anticipation. It's time to get ready. Christmas is coming.
God has promised. "The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this."
Prayer: O God of the prophets,
maker of Advent, return our weary spirits to the excitement of your
coming. Create within us a "right heart" that we may feel
once more the joy of Christmas. Teach us anew to trust your promises.
In the name of your Christ we ask it. Amen.
