Advent, the season of longing

The season of Advent approaches. It is still a couple of weeks away but is coming soon. 

I think Advent ought to be distinguished from Lent. It has a different character and purpose. It is not simply a season of repentance, like some sort of "Lent before Christmas". It is more a repentance that shows itself in longing and desire for the Christ who will soon come. 

You can hear this wanting to be with Him who loves us in the hymns of Advent. The people sing: “O come desire of nations” and we pray, “Come thou long expected Jesus”. There is nearly a romantic tenor to the yearning of Advent: “O Lord, how shall I meet you?”, “O Bride of Christ, Rejoice”. We, the bride, the church, long to be with our bridegroom, Christ. The Son of God who comes in human flesh and who dies on the cross and who will soon return fills this desire. 

Every service of the Supper has its own Advent character as we confess our sins, hear the Word and with joy come closer to our union with the Christ who comes to us really and wholly in the Eucharist. 

Our lives are Advent seasons as well. We wait for the One who is coming. We desire to be with Him. Soon He will appear.