Expressions of Faith
Advent anticipates a rebirth

By Kevin James Gilbert
Special to The Advertiser

He winced as his nation crumbled, politically, spiritually. He stood in the rubble of military and spiritual warfare. Yet, from there, he delivered a message of hope to his wounded nation: We can rebuild, even better than before.

This brave messenger wasn't George W. Bush, but Isaiah of Jerusalem. And his message to Judah was clear: God is coming to build a kingdom of perfect justice and peace.

But what comfort are words to people who have suffered physical terror and religious hatred? How can predictions of future healing relieve those who suffer now? Comfort may not be found in the words themselves, but it is likely to be in words that are lived in hope.

Advent offers Christians time to remember this hope. Advent means the coming of God, celebrating the prophets' anticipation of the arrival of the messiah. They remember the birth and ministry of that messiah, Jesus. Yet they also anticipate his return. Then, he will complete his world of perfect justice, healing, and peace.

Advent is not just about anticipating the birth of Jesus. Advent is about anticipating the rebirth of our world.

So what should we do, sit on our hands in the rubble of a spiritually and politically deteriorating world and say, "Well, God will fix it when he arrives; I've got nothing to do but wait"? Do we spend, charge and buy pleasure, leaving peace and justice for a future, divine social engineer? How do we meaningfully live Advent?

One minister told his church to do some little thing to make a difference in their small corner of the world. That's good, but it could be better. Our vision can transcend our tiny box-corners. We need to dream bigger dreams of a bigger God, the one for whom justice and peace are big topics. He expects to be imitated by those who claim he is their role model.

God is really willing to change the world through us. Justice and peace really are things he does through us. When the oppressed and terrorized see the hope of Advent lived in its celebrants as they work for social justice and peace, they are more likely to take comfort. People will be knocking down the doors to get into this perfect society, because it is one built upon perfect justice and peace. He'll personally judge and settle disputes. He'll rid it of war, with swords and spears transformed into plows and pruning shears. Who wouldn't want to live there?

So talk to God about getting ready for Jesus' coming. Ask him to help you to make time for what is truly important. He will help you. And then, when he comes, may he find us all hard at work hammering our swords into plows, defending the oppressed, settling the disputes of many, and giving our world a little taste of heaven.

Kevin James Gilbert serves with the Wahiawa Church of Christ.

Expressions of Faith is a column that welcomes submissions from pastors, priests, lay workers and other leaders in faith and spirituality. E-mail faith@honoluluadvertiser.com or call 525-8036. Articles submitted to The Advertiser may be published or distributed in print, electronic or other forms.