Here we go again! 2023 draws to a close, and Christians around the world begin to engage in a reflective pause, turning our hearts and minds toward the timeless wisdom found in the Bible and the profound message of Advent. The pages of Scripture unveil narratives that resonate with the triumphs and challenges of the past year, inviting us to glean spiritual insights and find solace in the promises of God.
The Advent season, rooted in anticipation and hope, provides a thematic backdrop for this reflection. Isaiah 40:3, a prophetic passage, declares, “A voice of one calling: ‘In the wilderness prepare the way for the Lord; make straight in the desert a highway for our God.‘” This verse sets the stage for us to ponder afresh the state of our own hearts and lives, as we prepare to welcome the Lord not only into the manger of our past, but also into the unfolding story of the future.
The story of Christ’s birth in Bethlehem, as chronicled in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, becomes a poignant narrative for us as we reflect on 2023. The humble circumstances of Jesus’ arrival, surrounded by shepherds and visited by magi, convey a powerful message of God’s presence in the midst of the ordinary. It encourages us to seek the extraordinary in the everyday events of our lives, finding the sacred in the seemingly mundane.
We have all faced times of uncertainty and challenges over the last 12 months, and yet we are reminded that the Advent message offers a ray of hope. Luke 2:10-11 recounts the angel’s proclamation to the shepherds: “But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David, a Saviour has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.‘” This message resonates as a beacon of hope, reminding us, that even in the darkest moments, the light of Christ shines, bringing joy and salvation to all.
As we reflect on 2023, the Advent season also prompts contemplation of Christ’s second coming. Matthew 24:44 advises believers to be ready, for the Son of Man will come at an unexpected hour. This call to watchfulness and preparedness serves as a reminder that, as we look back on the year behind and ahead to 2024, we are to live with a sense of anticipation.
As thoughts turn toward 2024, we are encouraged to take the lessons of Advent into the future. The themes of hope, peace, joy, and love become guiding principles for the new year. This is needed now more than ever in our current time. Philippians 3:13-14 should move us to press on, forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, as we run the race marked out for us. However, that isn’t always easy!
In contemplating the challenges and opportunities that 2024 may bring, let us ready ourselves with the spirit of Advent—a season marked by expectation, preparation, and a profound awareness of God’s presence. As we continue to navigate the uncertainties of the future, the lessons of Advent become a source of strength and resilience, guiding us to face the coming year with a steadfast faith in the One who came, who is present, and who will come again.
On behalf of Julie and myself, we wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year.
God bless
 | David Skeet is our church team leader. Taken from the latest edition of our bi-monthly church newsletter. |