The Wonder of Advent

The arrival of Jesus on Christmas morning is wondrous. The Infinite became an infant. The King

made Himself vulnerable. The perfectly strong became weak. This wonder exceeds our

understanding. So the church began the Advent tradition of waiting and reflecting on the arrival

of Jesus four Sundays before Christmas. The coming of King Jesus surpasses our expectations

and we need time to consider it.

For example, Jesus humbled Himself. He didn’t merely look to His own interest but also to the

interests of others. Even though He occupied heaven in perfect existence, He chose to be born

in a dark world full of suffering and brokenness. He walked on this earth as a servant, in full

obedience to the point of death on a cross. The Infinite became an infant for us. The King made

Himself vulnerable for us.

This is the wonder of Advent! Jesus humbled Himself for us. And this servant trajectory isn’t

something merely for our admiration. It is to be in us. Philippians 2:5 says, “Have this mind

among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus.” As we think about the wonder of Advent,

let’s pray that this wonder will be ours. May our minds and actions reflect the humility and

selflessness that Jesus showed us in the gospel. What a wonder this would be for the good of

others and the glory of God!