Before we continue on through a chronological reading of Jesus’ life on earth, I want to address one more Christian tradition around Christmas. Advent.

Advent comes from a Latin word that means “coming” or “arrival.” It is a time of waiting and preparation where we celebrate the physical coming of Christ in the birth of Jesus, the reception of Christ in the heart of the believer, and expectantly await the 2nd coming of the messiah.

Typically, if one looks to observe advent, it is observed over a 4 week period starting on the 4th Sunday before Christmas. Each week will have a theme. I however, am just going to go through the 4 themes, giving each one it’s own day. First, we will look at hope that is rooted in God’s promises, fulfilled in Christ, and awaiting full completion. Second will be the joy we find now in salvation and in the promise of future glory. Third will be Jesus’ love shown in his first coming and promised to be fully revealed in his return. Fourth will be the peace we can find now in Christ, and the ultimate peace that will come with Christ’s return.

I want to start by reading Hebrews 9. This chapter gives us a clear understanding of the reason and significance of the sacrifices in the Old Testament. Also, because this text is rather long, an entire chapter, I am going to try to keep my commentary rather brief.

Hebrews 9:1-10

[1] Now the first covenant also had regulations for ministry and an earthly sanctuary. [2] For a tabernacle was set up, and in the first room, which is called the holy place, were the lampstand, the table, and the presentation loaves. [3] Behind the second curtain was a tent called the most holy place. [4] It had the gold altar of incense and the ark of the covenant, covered with gold on all sides, in which was a gold jar containing the manna, Aaron’s staff that budded, and the tablets of the covenant. [5] The cherubim of glory were above the ark overshadowing the mercy seat. It is not possible to speak about these things in detail right now.
[6] With these things prepared like this, the priests enter the first room repeatedly, performing their ministry. [7] But the high priest alone enters the second room, and he does that only once a year, and never without blood, which he offers for himself and for the sins the people had committed in ignorance. [8] The Holy Spirit was making it clear that the way into the most holy place had not yet been disclosed while the first tabernacle was still standing. [9] This is a symbol for the present time, during which gifts and sacrifices are offered that cannot perfect the worshiper’s conscience. [10] They are physical regulations and only deal with food, drink, and various washings imposed until the time of the new order.

The images and contents of the Tabernacle were designed in such a way as to represent God’s throne room. The decorations, patterns sewn into the cloth, the gold and the lampstands, and the cherubim above the mercy seat are all things that we get glimpses of when there are heavenly visions. Going into the 2nd room was walking into the direct presence of God, and if there was any impurity on or about the person walking in there, they would fall dead because the righteousness of God is so powerful that it would destroy anything unrighteous. So in the old testament law, God gave them instructions for purifying themselves that way the high priest were capable of going in there on behalf of all the people of God. There were many sacrifices and rituals that had to be observed each year before they were able to approach God.

Hebrews 9:11-26

[11] But Christ has appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come. In the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands (that is, not of this creation ), [12] he entered the most holy place once for all time, not by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood, having obtained eternal redemption. [13] For if the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a young cow, sprinkling those who are defiled, sanctify for the purification of the flesh, [14] how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, cleanse our consciences from dead works so that we can serve the living God?
[15] Therefore, he is the mediator of a new covenant, , so that those who are called might receive the promise of the eternal inheritance, because a death has taken place for redemption from the transgressions committed under the first covenant.
[16] Where a will exists, the death of the one who made it must be established. [17] For a will is valid only when people die, since it is never in effect while the one who made it is living. [18] That is why even the first covenant was inaugurated with blood. [19] For when every command had been proclaimed by Moses to all the people according to the law, he took the blood of calves and goats, along with water, scarlet wool, and hyssop, and sprinkled the scroll itself and all the people, [20] saying, This is the blood of the covenant that God has ordained for you. , [21] In the same way, he sprinkled the tabernacle and all the articles of worship with blood. [22] According to the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.

[23]Therefore, it was necessary for the copies of the things in the heavens to be purified with these sacrifices, but the heavenly things themselves to be purified with better sacrifices than these. [24] For Christ did not enter a sanctuary made with hands (only a model of the true one) but into heaven itself, so that he might now appear in the presence of God for us. [25] He did not do this to offer himself many times, as the high priest enters the sanctuary yearly with the blood of another. [26] Otherwise, he would have had to suffer many times since the foundation of the world. But now he has appeared one time, at the end of the ages, for the removal of sin by the sacrifice of himself.

Since the sacrifices came from animal blood, they only purified for a temporary time, but because Jesus is the perfect son of God, his blood and his sacrifice are pure and offers a permanent cleansing. And since he now takes on the role of our high priest, he mediates the new covenant in the true tabernacle, granting us an eternal inheritance.

Hebrews 9:27-28

[27] And just as it is appointed for people to die once [28] so also Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to bear sin, but to bring salvation to those who are waiting for him.

This is why we have created the tradition of Advent, so that we can regularly remind ourselves what Christ has already done for us and to expectantly wait for Jesus’ return.

Reflections:

(I strongly recommend using a journal to actually write out prayers and answer questions. something about having to write it down really helps me complete the thought and be committed to it.)

• When was the last time you reflected on the depth of Jesus’ sacrifice? Take time today to thank Him in prayer for what He’s done.
• The Israelites prepared extensively before approaching God. How can you spiritually “prepare” to meet with God daily?
• How does knowing Christ intercedes for you in the heavenly sanctuary change how you approach prayer and worship?
• What specific changes can you make in your daily life to live as someone who is confident in Christ’s finished work?