This Sunday is the Second in Advent.
Last week I shared a bit about this season here.
In that post I explained that the term Advent comes from that Latin, Adventus, which means “arrival” or “coming.”
And, that’s exactly what we celebrate at this time of year. It is a season of preparation, waiting, and anticipation for the “arrival” of the Messiah.
But, the Advent of Jesus 2,000 years ago isn’t the only way that the Church has understood this season.
The word Adventus is the Latin translation of a Greek word used in the New Testament.
That word in Parousia.
Parousia is translated in English using a few different terms.
It is sometimes translated “Presence.”
The Apostle Paul wrote about the times when he was “Present” with the Church at Corinth.
So, it was not necessarily a religious word. It was a term that common, everyday folks would use and understand.
Another way to translate Parousia is, as mentioned above, the word “Arrival.”
Again, it can be used to talk about someone’s “arrival” at a destination.
Common word for common folks.
This time of year, though, provides us with the opportunity to understand the idea of “arrival” a little differently.
The Apostle James wrote, “
Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains.
You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. (Jas. 5:7-8).
“Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s Parousia…
Because the Lord’s Parousia is near…”
The Apostle was writing about the expected return of Jesus.
According to the writer of the book of Acts, Jesus was taken up into the clouds at His ascension.
In the same way, Jesus would return, (Acts 1:11).
Jesus will return, the New Testament writers agree.
When?
No one knows except the Father who is in Heaven.
But, we wait…
expectantly…
patiently…
and prepare…
for the Parousia of Jesus.
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