Light Has Come
A Liturgical Advent Resource
by
Book Cover & Preview Text
At the end of the Old Testament, after generations of prophetic declarations about the coming Messiah (promised so long ago to trembling, fig-leaf-clad sinners), there is 400 years of silence. No more prophecies, no more words from God. I don’t know about you, but at times I feel I can relate. Life can often feel like living in silence. Where is God? Why isn’t he answering? Why would he let this happen? In one way or another, we have all experienced the reality of brokenness in our relationship with God and, some years, it feels most obvious at Christmas time. At the end of those 400 years of silence, I think the first Christmas must have felt much the same. In both cases, God’s people long for Christ to come. In the time of the Old Testament, the longing pointed to the coming of the Incarnate Lamb, but the longing today is for Christ’s second coming – as the Victorious Lion. And so as we begin this Advent season, we sit alongside Adam and Eve, beside Mary and Joseph, beside the Israelites who waited for more word of a Savior, looking to the hope we have been promised in the midst of the pain we cannot escape. We turn “toward this singular hope. If only God could forgive us. If only he would send us a champion, a king born of the line of David, a just and righteous leader, perhaps this broken people could regain their lost inheritance and find peace.” As you wait, my friend, especially if the waiting is in silence, may your heart turn toward this hope. Our great Hero has come and he will come again.
Formats
Book Details
About the Book
December has come around again. How do you feel? Have you been singing carols since Halloween? Are you basically Buddy the Elf in real life? Are you dreading the shopping and the extended family time? Maybe hoping for some time off of work? Perhaps it’s less cheerful. Perhaps you are wondering what this Christmas will be like…the first of its kind…without a loved one, without the nostalgia, with a heavy weight on your back. Maybe you are tearing through the bows and ribbons and movies you’ve seen a million times in search of something more deeply meaningful. Or maybe you’re avoiding the whole thing all together. How do you feel about Christmas? Light Has Come is a weekly guide through the season of advent with prayers, poems, songs, Scripture readings, and devotionals included in each section. Readers will walk away with a meaningful understanding of how Advent connects to their present reality, as well as the true power of Advent – both Christ’s first coming and the joy it brings, as well as the hope of anticipating his second.
About the Author
Alisha Hutchinson Gibson grew up in the mountains of North Carolina with a theology nerd dad and a Holy Spirit loving momma. Today, she lives in San Jose, California with her worship pastor husband, their delightfully curious son, and their needy black cat. Alisha holds a Masters Degree from Western Theological Seminary and uses over a decade of ministry experience in her role as a full-time pastor in her local church. Throughout her life, Alisha has been fascinated by stories and, especially, the great redemptive story of Scripture. She believes that, though it can be scary to share, sharing a story brings beauty from suffering and is a holy work. Through her writing she invites you to share in her story and then courageously share your own.