CCM: Don’t you think it’s interesting that our celebration of Christmas falls during the darkest point in our physical calendar? Yet, for so many, this season of Advent—of longing and expectancy—is this launching point for hope, a light in the dark. How has this Advent hope influenced your life?
MM: My favorite thing about the story of Jesus is how God flipped expectation on its head. That’s how I approach the Christmas season. Advent is about waiting for this flicker of light, which of course the Jewish people were highly expectant of for centuries, and they were almost losing hope about it, and then all of a sudden, this baby comes and this guy starts to declare that he’s the Son of God. It just wasn’t what they expected. They weren’t expecting a flame, they were expecting an explosion in the sky or something like that. But it’s so beautiful that God would make what seems small the most important thing. That’s what focus on in my faith, remembering the small things like humility and grace and forgiveness and love. That’s the biggest takeaway I have from Christmas every year.

CCM: In a way, I think Advent is more than a posture for the holiday season. It’s this idea of perpetual expectancy, especially in a culture that’s so rife with strife and dissension.
MM: When you say that, it’s a posture of expectancy that I think we should carry around all the time … What is God going to do now? That’s just a good way to live.

Marc Martel, CCM Magazine - image

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About The Author

Contributor

Andrew Greer is a multiple Dove Award-nominated singer/songwriter, respected author, and co-creator of the innovative Hymns for Hunger tour with Cindy Morgan, raising awareness and resources for hunger relief organizations in hundreds of cities across the country. On tour, Andrew has shared the stage with folks like Amy Grant, Brandon Heath and Andrew Peterson. His songs have been recorded by artists like Jaci Velasquez, Seth & Nirva and Nic Gonzales (of Salvador). And his first book – Transcending Mysteries – co-authored with Ginny Owens, was published by Thomas Nelson in 2015. Andrew is also host of CCM Magazine’s “Features on Film” series, featuring one-on-one conversations with some of music’s biggest artists. For more information visit: andrew-greer.com or hymnsforhunger.com.

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