Already But not yet

Jesus came to Galilee, proclaiming the good news of God, and saying, "The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near; repent, and believe in the good news." Mark 1:14-15

Jesus is God-for-us, God-with-us, God-within-us. Jesus is God giving himself completely, pouring himself out for us without reserve. (Henri J.M. Nouwen, With Burning Hearts, 67)

A major theme of Jesus' preaching is that the kingdom of God has already drawn near. Then, why are we still waiting when the time has already been "fulfilled" by the ministry and presence of Jesus? What are we waiting for when Jesus is already Emmanuel, God-with-us?

We are living in the mystery of God's presence. This presence is already with us, and yet we yearn for it. God is with us, and yet God is still giving himself over to us, pouring himself out, filling what remains empty in us - and in our families, communities, church and world. Jesus has come. Jesus is coming. Both are true, and so we wait for that final return of Jesus. Until that day, it will always be Advent for us.

Emmanuel, you have already come into the world and into our hearts. Your kingdom is already among us. Keep coming to us. Give yourself to us until we are completely yours, and you are ours. Amen.

Taken from The Fullness of Time Advent devotions inspired by Henri J.M. Nouwen and written by Amy Ekeh.