Advent Week 1: Anticipation

My mom still asks me every year if I want an advent calendar, and, of course, I say yes. Who would turn down chocolate? Especially since she's taken to buying me the Lindor advent calendars, the last few years!

But advent is more than an excuse to eat chocolate each day.

Advent is a celebration of the anticipation of the coming of Christ, both His first coming (as a baby, at the first Christmas), and His foretold second coming, which is yet to come. 

And, honestly, that's my favourite part of Christmas. The anticipation! 

The gifts and the family traditions are nice in and of themselves, but they are that much sweeter because of the time I have spent looking forward to them, remembering and reveling in the feelings of Christmases past, and looking forward to celebrating again. 

The first Christmas, too, was greatly anticipated. There are prophecies all throughout the Old Testament, all recorded centuries earlier (one non-exhaustive list can be found here). 

 In the 8th century BCE, the prophet Isaiah wrote:

"For to us a child is born,
    to us a son is given,
    and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
    Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
    Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
 Of the greatness of his government and peace
    there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne
    and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
    with justice and righteousness
    from that time on and forever." (Isaiah 9: 6-7a)

Jesus' birth and life weren't only foretold in ancient prophecies. Some of His contemporaries were also told of His coming, including his mother, Mary, and her cousin, Elizabeth (Luke 1: 26-45), and His father, Joseph (Matthew 1:18-25). 

I think one of the most overlooked prophecies came to a man called Simeon, to whom it had been revealed by the Holy Spirit that he would see the Messiah before he died. When Jesus was eight days old and His parents took Him to the temple to be circumcised, the Holy Spirit brought Simeon to the temple, too. Simeon had waited for this day for who knows how long. This is what happened: 

"Simeon took him in his arms and praised God, saying:    
    'Sovereign Lord, as you have promised,        
        you may now dismiss your servant in peace.    
    For my eyes have seen your salvation,        
        which you have prepared in the sight of all nations:    
    a light for revelation to the Gentiles,        
        and the glory of your people Israel.'
The child’s father and mother marveled at what was said about him. Then Simeon blessed them and said to Mary, his mother: 'This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too.'" (Luke 2: 28-35)

This is clearly not the happiest of prophecies. When Simeon tells Mary that a sword will pierce her soul, too, I think he is referring to Jesus' death. But apparently it was all worth it---this child, he says, will bring salvation and light, not only to our people, but to the whole world. And that is something worth waiting for!

Note: This is part one of a series on Advent. You can also read parts two and three.