Reflections for Advent
Welcome to the first of our reflections for the season of Advent
Hope
Looking Forward by Looking Back
The expectation of Advent is anchored in the event of God’s incarnation. The more I come in touch with what happened in the past, the more I come in touch with what is to come. The Gospel not only reminds me of what took place but also of what will take place. In the contemplation of Christ’s first coming, I can discover the signs of his second coming. By looking back in meditation, I can look forward in expectation. By reflection, I can project; by conserving the memory of Christ’s birth, I can progress to the fulfillment of his kingdom. I am struck by the fact that the prophets speaking about the future of Israel always kept reminding their people of God’s great works in the past. They could look forward with confidence because they could look backward with awe to Yahweh’s great deeds.
Henri J. M. Nouwen, You are the Beloved: Daily Meditations for Spiritual Living. Gabrielle Earnshaw. (Hodder, Great Britain: 2018, p. 370).
What stories from the biblical past help you look forward in expectation?
What events from your own past strengthen you in your Advent journey?
