The Psalms of Advent

By Pastor Dwight Nelson

At some point in Advents past, we began a family tradition of cutting a Christmas tree at a nearby tree farm. This was a small farm, tucked in the hills, with the Christmas trees planted in small sections in the woods. It always seemed to be muddy and wet there, with a rather primitive station to check out a saw and pay for the eventual winner of the perfect tree competition. There was a smoky fire under a lean-to, a pot of apple cider, and a few wreaths for sale. The place was neither large nor especially accommodating. But it provided something of an adventure for us.

The tree-hunting expedition always had a dual purpose. There was the desire to find the perfect tree, and there was the stop at the nearby Scandia bakery for coffee and rolls afterwards. So there was a built-in tension in the outing. Time spent searching for the perfect tree took time away from (or delayed) the time spent over coffee and rolls. And rushing to the rolls meant the possibility of an inadequate tree. Over the ears, the balance of values gradually tipped more and more toward the rolls and coffee.

Advent s a season that marks our journey to Christmas, and, much more important, to Christ. If we begin that journey with an idea of Christmas perfection, our journey will go a certain way, often with much stress, and we might possibly end up at "Happy Holidays." But we will not experience the richness of Advent or the joy of Christmas.

Advent is a season marked by prayer, singing, and study that leads to renewal and hope. Hope does not disappoint. You do not arrive at hope by striving for perfection. You arrive at hope by confessing your sin, being honest about your life, griveing your losses, and yearning for Christ and His kingdom.

So in Advent, we admit that it is dark, and then we celebrate the light. We admit that it is cold and stormy, and then we receive the warmth and peace of God's love. We admit that we are sick, and then we receive the rest and healing of God. We admit that we are sinners, and then we receive the gift of salvation.

Welcome to the Advent journey this year. In worship we will focus on some Psalms that will move us on our way. It will be a journey from shame to hope (Psalm 25), from weeping to joy (Psalm 126), from anger to salvation (Isaiah 12), and from brokenness to restoration (Psalm 80).

This journey will bring us to Christmas, that is, to the Christ who was born in a stable and laid in a manger (a place of shame, anger, weeping, and brokenness). But the one who was born there traveled into our lives, bringing healing and good news, salvation won at the Cross, and resurrection. He is exalted. He is Lord of Heaven and earth.