Advent is a season of waiting, of hope, of liberation. It invites us to look forward to the coming of Christ, not only as the infant in Bethlehem but as the one who leads us out of bondage and into the freedom of life in God.
In many ways, Christ is the new Moses. Just as Moses led the Israelites out of Egypt and away from the tyranny of Pharaoh, Jesus comes to lead us out of sin, death, and the oppressive forces of our world.
But here’s a question worth pondering this Advent: Who are the Pharaohs of our time? What powers, habits, or forces hold us in bondage today?
The Pharaohs of the Old Testament were obvious, wielding political and military power to enslave entire nations. Today’s Pharaohs are more subtle but no less real:
The Pharaoh of Busyness whispers that your worth lies in how much you accomplish. It keeps you enslaved to endless productivity, even at the expense of rest, family, and prayer.
The Pharaoh of Comparison thrives on social media and societal pressures, keeping you fixated on others instead of looking upward to God.
The Pharaoh of Consumerism tempts you to believe happiness can be bought, especially during this season, turning our attention away from Christ.
The Pharaoh of Sin—perhaps the most persistent—ensnares us in selfishness, pride, and despair, trapping us in cycles that keep us from God.
What Pharaohs are holding you captive this Advent? What is standing in the way of fully receiving the freedom Christ offers?