Sourdough Starter: Advent Fulfilled

A Celebration of Advent, Part 5

What is the deal with sourdough bread lately? It seems like every household has developed this hobby of making it regularly and bragging about it on Instagram. Just saying.

So, naturally, I had to see what the big deal was. Long story short: just reading about why and how people make sourdough bread was enough for me to have zero desire to make it myself.

But I digress.

Turns out, it takes years to craft the perfect sourdough starter. Every day, without fail, you must feed it, nurture it, and wait—sometimes impatiently—for it to mature into the foundation of something extraordinary.

The starter can’t be rushed. But when the bread is finally baked, and the aroma fills the air, you realize that the waiting wasn’t just worth it—it was essential to its perfection.

Waiting can feel excruciating, especially when what we’re waiting for feels so close yet so far. Advent is a season of waiting, and we’ve arrived at its culmination. Christ has come.

A Biblical History of Christ’s Coming

The story of Christ doesn’t begin in Bethlehem—it’s woven through every page of scripture. From the moment humanity fell, God began to whisper promises of a Savior. In Genesis, we hear the first echo of redemption, as God promises that the offspring of the woman will crush the serpent’s head (see Genesis 3:15).

This promise becomes more evident through the prophets. Isaiah speaks of a child born to bring peace and justice, calling him the “Prince of Peace” (see Isaiah 9:6). Micah foretells the unlikely town of Bethlehem as the birthplace of the Messiah (see Micah 5:2).

In the New Testament, the long-awaited moment finally arrives. The opening chapters of the Gospels declare with joy that God has fulfilled his promises. Galatians 4:4-5 (ESV) captures the significance of this event: "But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law.”

Christ’s coming isn’t just a historical event; it’s the turning point of God’s redemptive story.

[[ For what it’s worth, the long wait in scripture reminds us that God’s timing is perfect, even when it doesn’t align with ours. He sees the bigger picture we can’t comprehend and calls us to trust him in the waiting. ]]

The Doctrine of the Incarnation

The Incarnation—the act of God becoming flesh—is at the heart of the Christmas story. John 1:14 (ESV) says, "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

In this profound mystery, the fullness of God dwells in human form, stepping into our broken world. Paul reflects this truth in Colossians 1:19-20 (ESV), explaining that through Christ, God “reconciles all things to himself, making peace by the blood of the cross.”

The incarnation is not a distant theological concept but a deeply personal act of love. God chose to enter the messiness of humanity, experiencing hunger, sorrow, and joy. Emmanuel—God with us—is the ultimate demonstration of God’s closeness.

[[ For what it’s worth, the incarnation isn’t about God stooping down in pity; it’s about him entering into the fullness of human experience to show us his deep love and solidarity with our struggles. ]]

The Theology of Advent Fulfilled

Advent is both a celebration and an anticipation. We rejoice in Christ’s first arrival while longing for his return. His birth in Bethlehem fulfills God’s promises and points us forward to the ultimate fulfillment of his kingdom.

Matthew 1:23 (ESV) reminds us of the beautiful truth that God is with us as the disciple writes: "They shall call his name Immanuel." Luke 2:11 (ESV) also declares the “good news of great joy” that in the city of David, “a Savior is born.”

But the story doesn’t end there.

Revelation 21:3-4 (ESV) gives us a vision of what lies ahead. The dwelling place of God will be with humanity, and “he will wipe away every tear. Death and sorrow will be no more.”

Advent reminds us that the hope, peace, joy, and love we celebrate in Christ’s birth are just the beginning. The best is yet to come in the grand scheme of eternity.

Participating in the Everyday Realities of Christ’s Arrival

The arrival of Christ calls for a response. It compels us to celebrate the good news, remembering that the story of Jesus’ birth isn’t just ancient history—it’s living truth that transforms lives. Sharing this story allows us to participate in the proclamation that began with the angels and shepherds.

It also invites us to live with expectation. Just as the people of Israel waited for the Messiah, we now wait for his return, trusting in the promise that he will come again to make all things new.

We are also called to be a light in the world, reflecting the presence of Christ through our words and actions. Jesus said, “You are the light of the world,” reminding us of our role in embodying his love and hope.

Finally, Christ’s arrival inspires worship. In the midst of holiday busyness, we are called to reflect on the wonder of the Incarnation and respond in gratitude. Worship is the natural outpouring of a heart transformed by the overwhelming reality of God’s love.

[[ For what it’s worth, living in light of advent is about embodying the kingdom now, even in its “already but not yet” state. As we wait for Christ’s return, we are called to live as a preview of the restoration he will bring. ]]

Hopefully, That Makes Sense

Advent teaches us the beauty of waiting and the joy of fulfillment. Christ has come, bringing hope, peace, joy, and love. And yet, the story isn’t over. We still await the day when his kingdom will come in fullness as ushered in by his second coming.

As you celebrate this season, remember that the wait was worth it. Christ has come, and he’s coming again. Until then, live in the light of his love and share it with the world.

Until next time,
Petey