An Uncomfortable Advent

There is indeed something still and quiet about the advent of our Lord. We are familiar with the manger scene as we are of the little town of Bethlehem lying still, as the carol says. But the serenity of Christ’s advent is the serenity of a terrible army approaching the rebel city, rank upon rank. He came to level many strongholds, many kings, and many kingdoms.

But the advent of our Christ is not only uncomfortable for our enemies outside the walls of Christendom. It is uncomfortable for each of us. You want the Lord’s advent do you? Then prepare to be exposed. You want the Lord’s advent? Then lay yourself open before His coming. He comes to incinerate what remains of your flesh. He comes to pierce your soul, as He did Mary’s, His own mother. The sanctification of His drawing near is lovely as it is deadly. And that sanctification requires that you play no games with Him. If you hear His voice, harden not your hearts as in the day of temptation in the wilderness. If He has convicted you, confess. If He has corrected you, then amend your ways. He has more furniture to arrange in your soul. And He’s knocking at the door.

This season affords you abundant opportunity to discover the sin that remains in you. But those discoveries are no cause for self-loathing. There’s no sense in going to hide in a hole because others are more festive than the grumpy pickle staring back at you in the mirror. Even the holes will be brightened by His coming. Whatever is dark in you, His light is brighter still. Whatever is crooked, His coming is straighter still. Many will rise and fall at His coming. And see that you rise. But the only way to rise is to humble yourself and, however uncomfortable it is, say, “Come Lord Jesus.”

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