God created us male and female, as adored creatures designed for communion with Him and with each other and not essentially consumers. The reflection is that Christmas has lost its awe and shock value, and one of the great purposes of Advent is to help us recover that shock. The world is missing a ‘sense of humanity under judgement,’ hence, in a free world of pleasure and celebrity, most of the Christian events purposed for our repentance, renewal and return to God have been commercialised.

Advent provides the biblical truth and pillar of the Coming Saviour and Judge, and the Church is mandated to spread it, which underscores the urgency of discipling people as followers of Jesus. Advent summons us to becoming what we are created to be – At One with God, and not that ‘we are what we are.’ One of the challenges of this season to Christianity is lifestyles shaped and dictated by celebrity and consumer culture rather than Advent culture, a preparation, anticipation, hoping, and waiting for the second coming of Jesus Christ.

Advent presents the Bible as the Unchanging Book inspired by the Spirit of the Unchanging God in an ever-changing world; hence, the themes of Advent are in sharp contrast to the bustle and spending of Christmas. Dr John Hall, dean of Westminster, reminds us that the themes of Advent are death, judgement, heaven and hell. ‘A lot of people in the Church have completely abandoned the idea of hell, but I can’t do that. There’s a popular belief that “It’ll all be all right.”

Beloved, Advent prepares us to remember that we are celebrating more than just the birth of Jesus Christ, our Saviour and Redeemer Who came into the world to redeem us and save us from our sins: ‘Therefore, just as through one man sin entered the world, and death through sin, and thus death spread to all men, because all sinned’ (Romans 5:12 -17, Gen 3:6-7).

Canon Bruce Ruddock of Peterborough Cathedral aptly summarised the challenge between Advent and Christmas. According to him, ‘Advent is my favourite season. It is so counter-cultural. Our Advent procession is in sharp contrast to what is going on at M&S down the road.’ Bruce challenges us to pause and reflect on the Advent opportunity in relation to the wonder of the Coming Saviour and Judge. He warns, ‘I think perhaps we are in danger of losing our sense of wonder.’ Advent is a reminder of the need for the Saviour due to the depth of our separation from God, due to our sin. Advent prepares us for the ultimate peace, hope, love and joy in Jesus Christ through freedom from our sin and hope in eternity.

Bishop Rosemarie Wenner, of the Evangelisch-methodistische Kirche in Germany, following the attack on Berlin, 19 Dec 2016, provides a profound reflection on how to set our hope in Jesus Christ beyond the horrors of life and Christmas busyness: ‘In the child in the manger God renewed the promise that peace will come on earth.’ Advent assures us of the coming peace through the Second Coming of Jesus Christ, no longer as the child in the manger but as the Sovereign Saviour and Judge. Advent, as a solution to the age-old problem of secular Christmas, calls us to stop and think so that we may repent and renew our relationship with God.

Prayer: Please remember, for many people in war, sickbed, or mourning, like people in war zones, a peaceful and merry Christmas does not come true. Please remember them in your prayers.

Let us pray for a renewed understanding that Christmas represents another step in the fulfilment of God’s promise in hope of eternal life.

Let us pray that many will come to the recognition of their desperate need for the Saviour, which is due to our sinful condition and habits.

Let us pray that many will repent and acknowledge their sins and shortcomings before the holy and righteous God.