As Fulfillment Begins

As we come to the end of our Advent feast, we anticipate the last course — Dessert, the day and celebration of Christmas. For many, this includes the days leading up to it, especially Christmas Eve. But let’s stay with the feast for a moment.

We’ve finished the meal.

The dishes that were so lovely in their settings — the serving bowls, the utensils, the cups and glasses — are now a mess. Everything that was so delightfully displayed has been used. The last streaks of gravy, the tiny bits of vegetables cling to the plates. The silverware lies across them like weapons discarded after a battle. Napkins are stained. The remnants of wine or water rest at the bottom of the glassware. And the voices of authority are directing who’s picking up what, where things should be placed in the kitchen, and how to store the leftovers.

It’s the fulfillment of the main course — but not the fulfillment of the meal.

The main course is the experience that digs into the relationship between the family and friends around the table, the food as it was delivered and devoured, and then the cook. The cook is the one who has received accolades and praise.

“For he satisfies the longing soul, and the hungry soul he fills with good things.”

Psalm 107:9

And as the table is cleared, the words are coming again. Even as we anticipate that the meal is not completely over — there is still a course to come — before the sweetness arrives, there is the celebration of the One who prepared everything.

Advent — the arriving of the presence of God — is our time to teach our souls the worth of the One who prepared it all for us. We review the flavors, the aromas, the sights and textures of every bit, so we remind ourselves in the deepest way that this comes from the work and artistry of our Creator, the Founder of the feast.

“So is my word that goes out from my mouth:

It will not return to me empty,

but will accomplish what I desire

and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”

Isaiah 55:11

The lingering around the table, the gentle shift into clearing, the heightened anticipation of the sweetness that is on its way — it all magnifies the reason we’re here. Someone invited us to enjoy all their efforts. We have been part of the fulfillment of a promise that we would find satisfaction.

We are the people who know what this means. We know the truth at the basis of the table around which we gather. We didn’t have any right to be part of it. We didn’t merit it because of what we’d done. We were simply invited to come.

“Taste and see that the Lord is good;

blessed is the one who takes refuge in him.”

Psalm 34:8

Before you jump ahead to the Dessert and celebration, remind your soul of the taste of freedom, the satisfaction of cleansing, and the love of God’s presence and care. This is why we feast — because we get to be with Him.