Homesick for God: Advent Hope in the Fig Tree
In Luke 21:25-36, Jesus speaks of signs in the heavens and on the earth, a world in turmoil as it anticipates the coming of God’s reign. Amid this unsettling imagery, he offers a simple but profound sign of Advent hope:
“Look at the fig tree and all the trees; as soon as they sprout leaves you can see for yourselves and know that summer is already near.”
This image of the fig tree may seem unassuming, but for the people of Israel, it carried layers of meaning, evoking their history, their longing, and their trust in God’s promises. It is a symbol we can cling to as we move through Advent, a season that confronts our spiritual homesickness and assures us that Christ’s birth brings us home to God.
Homesickness of the Heart
Homesickness is a longing for the familiar, for the safety and belonging of a place we call home. Spiritually, this feeling emerges in moments when we feel separated from God. The ancient Israelites understood this well. In exile, they grieved the loss of their homeland and temple—the physical symbols of God’s presence. Even when they returned, they lived under foreign rule, longing for the day when God’s promises of peace and restoration would be fulfilled.
We, too, know this longing. Advent reminds us that the world is not yet as it should be. Broken relationships, injustice, and personal struggles leave us yearning for God’s nearness. In the darkest moments, it can feel as though God is far away, and our hearts ache with homesickness.
The Fig Tree as a Sign of Hope
The fig tree has long been a symbol of God’s provision and restoration for the Israelites. In times of peace and abundance, its fruit represented security and blessing:
“Everyone will sit under their own vine and under their own fig tree, and no one will make them afraid. ”
Even when Israel faced destruction, prophets like Jeremiah used the image of the fig tree to point toward renewal. Jesus’ words in Luke 21 continue this tradition. The fig tree reminds us that new life is always on the horizon, even when the world feels barren. Its tender leaves signal that winter’s grip is loosening and summer is near.
For those homesick for God, the fig tree’s promise is this: God has not forgotten us. Just as trees awaken with the changing seasons, God’s promises will come to fruition in time.
Advent: A Season of Anticipation
Advent trains our hearts to watch for signs of God’s presence. The birth of Jesus, the one who will reconcile us to God, is the ultimate fulfillment of this hope. Jesus is Emmanuel—God with us—offering not just a glimpse of home but the reality of dwelling with God forever.
As we light candles and hear familiar scriptures, Advent assures us that our homesickness will not last forever. God draws near to us, just as surely as the fig tree bursts into bloom.
Living in the Promise
The fig tree also challenges us. Its sprouting leaves are not just a comfort but a call to readiness. Jesus reminds us to stay alert and prepare for the day when God’s promises will be fully realized. In this waiting, we participate in God’s work by creating glimpses of home for ourselves and others—offering compassion, fostering justice, and embodying Christ’s love.
This Advent, let us look to the fig tree and remember: God’s promise is alive. The birth of Jesus is the first sprout of a world restored, where homesickness will be replaced by belonging, separation by reunion, and despair by joy.
“Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. ”
Hold fast to these words, dear friends. Christ is coming. The home we long for is near.
