Advent 2020: “Good Tidings; Great Joy”

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advent 2020: “Good Tidings; Great Joy”

Advent is traditionally a time of waiting as we (A) remember the groaning of God’s people as they waited for the coming of their Messiah, and (B) experience our own groaning as we wait for His return. It is a season in which we look forward in hope to something greater to come. Justin Holcomb says it like this:

The church is in a similar situation to Israel at the end of the Old Testament: in exile, waiting and hoping in prayerful expectation for the coming of the Messiah. Israel looked back to God’s past gracious actions on their behalf in leading them out of Egypt in the Exodus, and on this basis, they called for God once again to act for them. In the same way, the church, during Advent, looks back upon Christ’s coming in celebration while at the same time looking forward in eager anticipation to the coming of Christ’s kingdom when he returns for his people.

That’s what Advent is… in an ordinary year. But 2020 has been no ordinary year! The way 2020 has gone, some have remarked that it feels a little like we’ve been in a yearlong Advent – groaning under our burdens, yearning for relief.

In such a year, the joy surrounding the birth of Christ stands out in sharp relief.

10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

Luke 2:10-11

In 2020, we rejoice at any indication that this pandemic might come to an end (e.g. the recent news of a vaccine), but Scripture is telling us that there is greater news of joy in the birth of Jesus that brings salvation!

  • John the Baptist leaps for joy in Elizabeth's womb when he heard Mary's voice (Lk. 1:44).

  • Mary rejoices in God (Lk. 1:47).

  • The Magi rejoice exceedingly when they see the star (Mt. 2:10).

  • Simeon and Anna rejoice when they get to meet the Messiah (Lk. 2:22-40).

In a time of gloom, we Christians have reason to join these exemplars in celebrating with joy the birth (and impending return) of our Messiah.

Join us from November 29th through Christmas Eve as we enter into this good news of great joy!