We stand in the already and not yet. We are disciples serving between Christ's coming and his coming again. As we look backward, we see an astonishing baby boy cradled in his mother's arms and the saving life he will lead. Looking forward, we see a complete kingdom and restoration of all things. We celebrate Christmas only after grappling with the hope fulfilled and the hope still waiting. We worship on Christmas morning through the lens of complete peace and anticipated shalom in the darkened corners of our world. We receive Christmas after enjoying the love of God already given and still to come. Advent invites us into the joy of knowing God has promised, God has fulfilled, and God has promised again.  We wait, watch, and wonder at the gift of God entering his world. This collection of essays on the refracting beauty of God's arrival into our desolate world and our isolated souls will move the follower of Jesus to internal reflection, communal worship, and participation in God's mission in every aspect of human affairs.