WATCHWORD:
18 This is how Jesus the Messiah was born. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. But before the marriage took place, while she was still a virgin, she became pregnant through the power of the Holy Spirit. 19 Joseph, to whom she was engaged, was a righteous man and did not want to disgrace her publicly, so he decided to break the engagement quietly. 20 As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. “Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. Matthew 1:18-20
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14
Meditation:
Advent
“The celebration of Advent is possible only to those who are troubled in soul, who know themselves to be poor and imperfect, and who look forward to something greater to come.” — Dietrich Bonhoeffer
I believe that Bonhoeffer was an exceptional theologian and Pastor, and a man of great courage and depth. So much of his writings have broadened our understanding of Christianity. But his statement on Advent, well, that requires some honest, self-evaluation. Do you consider yourself poor and imperfect? I do and, may I be so bold as to assume that you do, too? I guess that makes us troubled souls.
His contention that Advent is possible only to those who are troubled in soul, throws me off, just a bit. I admit, I am poor and imperfect, who isn’t? To me, Advent is a fact, an announcement of the coming of The Messiah. Yes, we look forward to something greater to come. We know the “something greater”, but is his statement referring to the Baby Jesus, or all that His coming, brings to us through the power of God and our belief and faith?
The history of Advent is an interesting one. Scholars tell us that during the 4th and 5th centuries, Advent was a season of preparation for the baptism of new Christians at the feast of Epiphany, God’s incarnation represented by the visit of the Magi to the baby Jesus, His baptism as an adult by John, followed by his first miracle at Cana. Those early Christians would spend 40 days in penance, prayer, and fasting to prepare for this celebration. Originally, there was little or no connection between Advent and Christmas.
Yes, it has changed, and yet it has stayed the same. It is a sacred season. We honor Christ’s advent with prayer, worship services, the lighting of candles signifying the days leading up to His birth. I don’t see much fasting, but, I do believe, there is some penance, and personal confessing.
As I think about the Bonhoeffer statement, I’m more amenable to its meaning. If we are honest with ourselves we would freely admit that there are times when we are troubled of soul. Our faith and commitment to the incarnate God who walked this earth, who loves us so much as to give an ultimate sacrifice and we know that is something greater, the gift of the resurrection, the central pillar of all that we believe.
So here we are. We will soon light the next Advent candle. In our quiet time with God, we say with conviction, come, Lord Jesus, come precious Savior and come incarnate God. Come. Amen.
Advent Movie Suggestion:
Jesus Revolution. This film is based on the autobiographical book by Greg Laurie, Pastor of Harvest Fellowship of Riverside California. An entertaining and inspiring true story of the start of the Jesus movement of 1971, that began in California and spread world-wide. Find it on Netflix. I highly recommend.
Closing Prayer:
Almighty God, we thank you for planting in us the seed of your Word. By your Holy Spirit help us to receive it with joy, live according to it, and grow in faith and hope and love; through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
