That is why the ministry of Jesus produced so much excitement. There was power in His preaching and in the miracles He performed. Was He the One appointed to establish the Kingdom of God on the earth? It became clear, however, after His death, resurrection and ascension, that that moment lay further in the future when Jesus would return to the earth. Then all the painful shadows of human existence would be scattered in the light of His presence.
The community of Jesus’ followers generation after generation lived in this hope. It was kept alive in their worship where the Word was preached, where Scripture was studied, where bread was broken and wine shared in memory of Jesus. The apostles give much attention in their writings to the importance of believers meeting together and encouraging one another. This is how faith is sustained, how it grows and is made strong for the challenges of life.
I always enjoyed Advent as a parish minister. Exploring the traditional themes clarified the role of the people of God in our day and kept the flame of hope burning. I will not be leading worship in this Advent season but it’s a blessing to know that I will be part of a believing community in Renfrew grateful for what God has done for us in Christ and looking forward to the completion of His great project when Christ will reign throughout creation.
In his latest book Faith Undaunted Donald Macleod reflects on Hebrews 11: 1: ‘Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things unseen.’ He writes:
‘I am sure of the Invisible, sure of what He has done, and sure that what He has promised will one day be done.’
