Advent: December 9, 2024

Colossians 1:15-17 (ESV) He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.

In the season of Advent, we celebrate the birth of Jesus, the Son of God, the God/Man entering time and space to bring the full reign of his kingdom and begin the restoration of all things broken from the events of Genesis 3.

However, let’s not mistake Jesus’ entrance into time and space as the God/Man as a confession that he was previously absent. Jesus has never been absent from his creation. Advent does not mean God was absent then showed up as if the Serpent was running and sustaining created order. Advent reminds us that God has kicked off the campaign long promised to set fully right what was broken in Genesis 3.

Jesus is the second person of the Trinity. Jesus is Creator God with Father and Holy Spirit. Jesus created all things for himself and his eternal purposes, and in himself, he holds all creation together.

Hebrews 1:1-3 (ESV) 1 Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. 3 He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, 4 having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.

Jesus has never been an absent Creator. In fact, creation testifies to Jesus’ present upholding of his handiwork.

Psalm 19:1-2 (ESV) The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. 2 Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge.

At Advent, we celebrate that Jesus has come but not in the way of arriving to a place he was previously absent from. At Advent we celebrate that Jesus has inaugurated the campaign of restoring sinners to God and creation to its fully glory.

In that way, we should celebrate Advent every day!