Growing up, Advent was a major tradition in my family near Christmas. We’d light candles, sing hymns, and read Scripture together. Advent is a unique season because it allows us to look forward to Christ’s second coming as we look back at his birth. Lately, as I’ve observed and fallen in love with the community at Covenant, this time of waiting has become all the more precious.
A few months ago, I wrote an article for The Bagpipe about the challenges and beauty that came with adjusting to the community at Covenant. I’ve treasured the fellowship I’ve found here over the last few months, but I’ve also witnessed and experienced the challenges that come with building relationships in a fallen world. While at times it felt easy to forget the hardship in times of rejoicing and lose heart in times of weeping, I’ve come to realize that both the dancing and the tears of our present relationships are equally important in this season of waiting for all things to be made new.
As I have celebrated the community I’ve found at Covenant, I’ve been acutely aware of how temporary it is. But when we are reminded of the temporary nature of college and life in general, we can take heart in the fact that the beautiful aspects of this temporary community are a reflection of an eternal community. The joy that fills our hearts when we have fellowship together reflects the renewed world that we wait for in this season of Advent.
Mixed with the times of rejoicing are times of frustration when relationships are harder than we would have them be. A lot of pain can come from trying to navigate relationships in a fallen world. But from the longing for unity that fills our hearts can come the hope of renewal. The season of Advent is about waiting for the consummation of God’s plan when Christ returns. Advent is a beautiful season often overshadowed in the excitement of Christmas. But pausing to reflect on how we can view the pain and joy everyday lives in light of Advent can bring peace to our current circumstances as we wait for our Savior. The reflection and promise of the coming Age in the beauty and hardship of community will sustain us as we wait for all things to be made new.