Today's podcast is best heard after reading the two scriptures we shared at the barn together that morning. Zephaniah 3:14-17 (NLT) and 1 Thessalonians 4:9-5:2 NIV set the context for our discussion. With those themes ringing in our ears, we find a parallel between Jesus’ observance of the Feast of Dedication in John 10 (a/k/a Hannukah) with Advent. Both are traditions that arose after the writing of the Scriptures (the story of Hannukah is not in the Old Testament), and Jesus and His disciples fully embrace the “new tradition.” The traditions of Advent began in the late 300’s, and initially fostered a strong focus on the promises of Christ’s return. This will be our focus today.
We will also find comfort (Isaiah 40) in Jesus' promises to be with us - God with us - Emmanuel - in the highs and lows of our life and earth. And we will find hope in His promise to return someday soon in order to bring an end to suffering, pain, sin, and death. When He does come back, He will wipe away every tear from every eye, and never again will there be any kind of darkness.
He is coming. He is coming soon.
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