At this time of year, I fumble through my collection of CD’s trying to find J.S. Bach’s cantata Wachet Auf. It shapes the season of Advent for me, even as Bing Crosby’s Christmas Album patiently awaits its turn later in the season. I am especially entranced with the third song in Bach's cantata, a love duet between a soprano who sings the role of the Soul and a baritone as Jesus. The Soul repeatedly asks, “When are you coming?” and begs, “Come, Lord Jesus!” like an eager lover or impatient child. Over and over the voice of Jesus faithfully insists, “I’m coming.” It is a reminder of God’s aching desire to be with us here on Earth, just as we yearn for God’s presence among us. It's painful and beautiful and incredibly full of intimate longing.
God is not coming back one day to punish us. God is not angry with us. God does not wish to hurt us. God wants to embrace us and all of creation. Jesus will indeed be returning one day, filled with mercy and compassion to “make all things new.” Between our festivities about Jesus’ first coming to earth and our hope and trust in his return, we wait. In some ways, our whole lives are spent in the season of Advent (which, after all, means coming).
What music brings the reality of God's presence to your mind? What sings your pain and your aches, as well as your hopes and joys?
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