Advent

Tonight we light the fifth Advent candle---the candle of the Christ child. Over the last four Sunday mornings we have heard Him praised through the words of the angels, the words of the shepherds, the words of the magi, and the words of His mother Mary. In their own ways, they each praised Him. Tonight, on this eve of the celebration of His birth, we also, praise Him for all that He has done. We proclaim the miracle of His birth to a virgin maiden; but more than that, we, with thankful hearts and with deep gratitude, embrace His work of saving grace. We do not wait for a promised Messiah, as did the prophets and people of old; no; we wait for His return to consummate the work He began at His birth---a work begun before eternity. Therefore the fifth Advent candle is not only the candle of the Christ child, but is also the symbol of our eager expectation of the return of our King. The apostle Paul has said, “We know that the whole creation has been groaning as in the pains of childbirth right up to the present time. Not only so, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for our adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies. For in this hope we were saved. But hope that is seen is no hope at all. Who hopes for what he already has? But if we hope for what we do not yet have, we wait for it patiently.” Have you received the gift of God? Then you can truly exclaim, “Jesus is worthy of praise!” Have you received the gift of God? Then let us praise Him with all of our heart, soul, and strength. Yes, Jesus is worthy of praise. (Revelation 5:13) “To Him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!”