Artwork by Lucy T.
Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19
by Doug Anderson
Advent, from the Latin Adventus, meaning the coming or arrival of a significant event, has been observed by Christians since the 6th century. Originally it was a period similar to Lent, but the emphasis was more on preparation than on penitence. Advent is a season of reflection and meditation, a time to remember the first coming of Christ to us, and to anticipate his second coming.
Today’s Scripture selection points to Christ’s first coming and the themes of justice, righteousness, dominion, and judgment are there, as they are anticipated in Christ’s second coming. The longing for the Messiah, the “king,” as expressed in this Psalm, is analogous to the phrase in the Lord’s Prayer, “Thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” Indeed, the Lord’s Prayer parallels this Psalm, and it, too, anticipates the day when God will usher in his kingdom with the second coming of Christ.
The purpose of Advent is to get our attention: Christ has come to us and is calling us now to follow him, because Christ is coming again.