Advent: Expecting the Unexpected

Matthew 11:2-15

Every year, during Advent, we talk about John the Baptist. That may seem a little odd. Why John the Baptist? If Advent is a time of waiting and preparing for the birth of Christ, if Advent is a time of waiting and preparing for the coming Kingdom, why talk about John the Baptist? Well, there’s a few reasons. If you think about it, John was the quintessential Advent preacher. Right? If you want to see what Advent preaching looks like, John is your man. I mean, think about his message: Repent, for the Kingdom of God is at hand! That’s Advent, right there. The dawn is about to break. God is coming to set things right, so get ready, the hour is near. If Advent is a time of waiting with anticipation for God to act, then John is the one who comes along and says, “Your time of waiting is almost over.” So, John was the quintessential Advent preacher.

The True Light

John 1:6-9

Isaiah 2:1-5

This is the season of Advent. That word “advent” means “arrival.” You can imagine an ancient city whose king has been away, but they’ve gotten word that he’s coming back, and so they start to prepare. They fix what’s broken, they clean the streets, they get things ready for their king’s arrival. That’s a pretty good image of Advent.