Advent Devotional

Philippians 1:3-11

Paul begins his letter to the congregation at Philippi with a prayer of thanks. It is such a lovely prayer; it really conveys the affection that exists between Paul and the congregation. Two things stand out for me in this passage in the context of Advent.

First, Paul asserts his confidence that on the “day of Jesus Christ” the Philippians will be a good work brought to completion. The “day of Jesus Christ” that Paul was waiting for has not come yet, some 2000 years later. Theologians argue over the meaning of the day of Christ, and whether the coming kingdom is already here or hasn’t come yet. Personally, living between already and not yet, sometimes I feel that the already is stronger, and sometimes the not yet. Advent raises this question for us again: what exactly are we celebrating? The coming kingdom? Or the kingdom already come? Or can we live in a world where we live with both?

Second, Paul prays that the love of the congregation will overflow even more with knowledge and insight, so that they will know what is best, and be judged blameless in the coming day of judgment. Once again we are faced with Paul’s still immediate expectation of Jesus’ return, now expressed in end terms as a day of judgment. But he expresses hope, not for punishment, but for the abundance of righteousness that has come from the insight of love. As we live into this first week of Advent, in the expectation of the coming Christ, and in the celebration of the Christ already come, let us echo Paul’s hope for the Philippians: that love and righteousness will lead us in this season.

PRAYER: Come, Lord Jesus, swiftly come. Help us to know your constant presence with us, and your always-ready love and grace. In our own abundance, please give us the love and discernment to work for righteousness. In our love, help us to share your abundance of grace. Amen.

Alice Hickcox