The Season of Advent: Advent IV

I saw an angel coming down from heaven, holding in his hand the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain. He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the Devil and Satan, and bound him… From Revelation 20.1-10

Revelation 20:1-10 proves the Church’s juxtaposition of the seasons of Advent and Christmas belong to a peculiar people. Here you are reading the Apocalypse while ordering an iced almond milk sugar cookie latte from Starbucks. Yes, here you are getting ready for Christmas 2024 and the Day of the Lord.

Revelation 201.1-10 unveils the decisive victory of Christ over Satan, reminding us that evil’s power is limited and temporary. The binding of the serpent points to God’s authority and the assurance that Christ will reign forever. This passage is a powerful reminder during Advent, a season of waiting and hope, of God’s promise. While we anticipate the celebration of Christ’s first coming, we also prepare for His return, when evil will be fully and finally defeated. On the day of His appearing,
“He comes to make His blessings flow
Far as the curse is found,
Far as the curse is found,
Far as, far as, the curse is found.”

In the collect for the Fourth Sunday of Advent, we ask our Heavenly Father to “purify our conscience by His daily visitation.” This prayer invites us to pay attention to the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in our hearts as we await Christ’s Return. This last day of Advent in 2024, we do so knowing that “the hopes and fears of all the years” carry us to Him.

A blessed and holy Advent and the happiest Christmas! Please say hello if you are worshipping with us at All Saints tomorrow night.