One embodied Advent and the other embodied Christmas.
One announced and prepared for a coming, doing just what it was said he would do: "to make ready a people prepared for the Lord." (Luke 1:17)
The Other came, doing just what it was said He would do: "to preach good tidings to the poor, to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, to free those who are bound, to comfort all who mourn, to give beauty for ashes and joy for mourning." (paraphrased from Isaiah 61:1-3)
One came to shake people from their slumber, to force them to acknowledge their need and unrest. His cry was, "Repent! Prepare! Anticipate!"
The Other came to satisfy the need, the longing and the hope of that cry. His refrain was forgiveness, fulfillment, and peace for those acknowledging their need for a rescuer.
One still beckons us to Advent, showing us that the path to peace begins with repentance and acknowledging our need for Christmas.
The Other freely gives us peace with God. (Colossians 1:19-22)
And we wait for His coming again.
"Even so, come, Lord Jesus!" Revelation 22:20
