By Kristen Koger Associate Pastor for Spiritual Growth at First Baptist Church, Waynesboro, Va.
“Advent is about preparing to rejoice in Christ’s birth; but it is also about looking back—remembering God’s saving work in history, and how the Word became flesh and dwelt among us.”
One of my favorite things about Advent is that it makes space for whatever we bring with us on the journey toward
the manger—space for joy and wonder, but also for lament and doubt. The people we meet in the Advent story were people like us, navigating a world that was both messy and beautiful.
Today’s passage, Psalm 80, is a psalm of communal lament. Three times we hear the refrain, “Restore us, O God; let your face shine, that we may be saved.” In the midst of trial, God’s people don’t simply cry out; they also remember. They remember how God delivered them, and that memory makes space for hope even in their struggle.
Corrie ten Boom once said, “When we remember what God has done, we are strengthened to believe what God will do.” Advent calls us to that kind of remembering. Yes, it is about preparing to rejoice in Christ’s birth; but it is also about looking back—remembering God’s saving work in history, and how the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. As we remember, we are strengthened to trust God’s promises for today and tomorrow.
Advent also makes room for rejoicing. The psalmist’s cry is not despair but hope— hope that God’s face will shine again and that restoration will come. Each Advent we remember Emmanuel, God with us. May we make room to remember and rejoice in this Good News.
Reflect
How have you experienced God’s faithfulness in the midst of your own lament or despair?
How can we pray this psalm not only for ourselves but for a world in need of restoration?
Making Room is a daily devotional through Christmas from the CBF family, with two guides—one for adults and one for children and families—featuring reflections and simple activities for home, Sunday school or worship. Find the Making Room Advent resource here.