Advent: A Time Of Comfort

Like 2:25-32; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18

One of the precious commodities in our world today are things that bring us comfort. Whether it is furniture, mattresses, or our favorite comfort foods, we have those things that make us feel good and feel safe in uncomfortable situations.

Simeon has been waiting a long time for the consolation of Israel. The word consolation means to comfort someone after a time of suffering or loss. Israel had suffered much under Roman oppression and was longing more now than ever for her messiah. Simeon is not only an example of the longing, but also of joy when he not only saw Israel’s consolation, but held it in his arms. The comfort of Israel was not in words or sedatives, but in God through his incarnate son, Jesus Christ.

I have to admit these last few months have been very challenging for me and our church as a whole. Being many months into this pandemic is starting to have its toll on many people and in many different ways. It is the first time that I have been challenged as a pastor to try to keep us focused, connected, and encouraged, and if anything it has made me long not for a post-pandemic world, but for the return of Christ.

I honestly don’t know how anyone could make it day by day without Jesus in times like these. Unlike Simeon who held Jesus in his arms, it is Jesus who holds us in his and we find strength in him day by day. By going to him in prayer we find the peace and comfort we need in turbulent times. By reading his word we find the words of hope and comfort that guide us through the dark night of the soul.

During this Advent season we do have a comfort in the promise of Christ return. Paul brought comfort to the believers in Thessalonica by reminding them that Jesus will come again and that those who were dead as well as them who are alive will rise up together to meet him in the air and will be with him forever.” His admonition to them was to “comfort one another with these words.” (1Thessalonians 4:13-18)

I want to encourage you today with these same words that Paul shared with the Thessalonians. And also with the words of Jesus when he said “Let not your hearts be troubled!” (John 14:1)

Read also 2 Corinthians 1:3-5 for further encouragement.

Pastor Robby