A Different Sort of Advent

January 2023

We celebrate Advent as a way of acting out a story of waiting, allowing ourselves to imagine, over and over, the Christmas narrative, found within the pages of Scripture. And even as we pretend-wait for the baby Messiah—we find ourselves longing also for His someday return. 

Waiting has taken on a different tenor for our family this year. We’re waiting for my husband’s father—our beloved Pop—to pass from this earthly existence into his eternal home. Kyle’s dad has lived with Alzheimers for nearly a decade. The past eighteen months he’s been in memory care, relatively unaware. Recently he’s moved to hospice, now this week “vigil”—a status assuming final days. 

And in many ways, this waiting with Erle is the truest Advent. 

“Come, Lord Jesus, come!” 

Come and free your servant from the bonds of disease and the mind’s deep darkness. Come usher him into your everlasting light and life. He’s ready. For a good long time, he’s been ready. 

Kyle was to fly out this week for a 19-day work trip to South America. The days leading to departure were especially hard. A cocktail of emotions. Memories. Sadness. Longing. Anticipation. Wanting to be present when the time comes; having no control over timing. Waiting. Waiting. And then, this weekend’s vigil status, and one decision, at least, becomes clear. The trip is canceled. My husband will be staying. Here, at home, with family. Here, where we can advent-wait together. 

Palpable relief. 

My December devotional began with the story of Simeon. Simeon was a man who spent much of his life waiting for Israel’s Messiah: 

There was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, looking forward to Israel’s consolation, and the Holy Spirit was on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he saw the Lord’s Messiah. Guided by the Spirit, he entered the temple. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform for him what was customary under the law, Simeon took him up in his arms, praised God, and said,

Now, Master,

you can dismiss your servant in peace,

as you promised.

For my eyes have seen your salvation.

You have prepared it

in the presence of all peoples—

a light for revelation to the Gentiles

and glory to your people Israel.

(Luke 2:25-32) 

It struck me this morning, as I read the text, that the Spirit’s revelation to Simeon was truly remarkable. The nation of Israel had been in a long season of silence. 400 years since the last prophetic word from God. And I’ve always assumed the silence was broken when the angel made his appearance to Zechariah, announcing the pregnancy of his wife, Elizabeth. But obviously the Spirit must have whispered his promise to Simeon many years prior. The Messiah will arrive within your lifetime… 

What a wonder. 

Not unlike Simeon, Erle has been a man of devout faith, who has clung to God’s promises. And I wonder—what does the Spirit whisper into the trapped mind of a man who’s spent most of his life waiting to see Jesus face to face? 

Soon, Pop. Very soon. Today even. 

Now, Father, now…

you can dismiss your servant in peace.