The story of redemption does not begin at Christmas. From the first failure, God has been working toward mending the broken pieces, the broken people, and the broken world. He is with us in the tension of what will be and what is. He is with us in the tension of our hearts. He is with us in the tension taking steps forward and taking steps back. And in Jesus, He shows “withness” in dwelling among us, that in Him all that is broken might be mended.
The story of Christmas captures our attention every Advent season. Jesus’ birth marks a glorious moment in history. But the story of Christmas is not an isolated event. The story begins at creation and points to new creation. And the beauty of Advent reminds us that from the beginning, in our failure, through our process, to new life, God has always been present with us.