Advent: A time of hope, lament, and victory

Today marks the second Advent....the second candle is lit.

I grew in Germany, where Advent (means arrival) is celebrated all over the country - it is a deep-rooted cultural experience as we anticipate the arrival of our Lord. The Advent season floods me with warm memories of cozy winter nights, snuggling with my grandma, Christmas markets, Gluehwein, Spitzbuben (my favorite cookies) and German hymnals - a wonderful time of the year.

As I reflect during this time, I am deeply moved toward hope, lament, and triumph. Over the four weeks of Advent, I am reading a new book called: Mary's Voice, by Dr. Amy Orr-Ewing. This is a devotion for each day of Advent. While reading, I am reminded of not only my own anticipation, but the anticipation Mary must have experienced during pregnancy. There is one thing that that really stands out to me this season - let's talk about it...

Mary was pregnant with a baby that would save the world. She knew He would be the Savior, but I doubt she knew what this would look like. She was faced with trials during and after her pregnancy - but what it would ultimately cost her, I don't believe she knew. I don't think she understood the pain her son would experience and the lament this would cause her to feel.

The story of anticipation, hardship and victory often mirrors our own lives.

Just as God graciously allowed Mary a glimpse into what was to come, He also gives us a glimpses into our future. This in turn, gives us a deep sense of hope. Perhaps, if Mary knew what it all would look like, the torment her son would endure and the lament she would feel as a direct result...just maybe, she would have thrown in the towel? I often wonder, would we throw in the towel if we knew the sacrifice and hardship it costs us to get to our destination? The refining process is definitely not for the faint hearted.

As I reflect on my own story, the road that led me here often allowed me to have a great sense of hope, and at the same time, it has been filled with immense heartache and uncertainty...but the outcome is worth it all. It is during these times of learning to trust God while walking through hardships and trials that grow us most. The result should always be deep personal growth - if we allow it. I'm sure Mary didn't see her son's death as a victory in the moment, yet I am hopeful she did at the time of His ressurection. In our own stories, we may not always see the victory - but it's there....sometimes faint and quiet.. other times loud and clear.

During this Advent season, I am filled with hope knowing that God is Emmanuel (God with us) - we get to spend eternity with Him.

I encourage you today, to reflect on what God has done and is doing in your life. Where does hope show up in your story? In what areas do you feel lament? And where does victory show up in your story?

Reference

Orr-Ewig, A. (2023). Mary's Voice: Advent reflections to contemplate the coming of Christ. Worthy Books