Friday, November 25, 2011

Advent: A Coming


And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. Luke 2:7



 (Keep in mind that the birth of Jesus as well as much of his ministry took place outside of any church setting.)

The story is simple: Joseph is a carpenter and Mary, his fiancee, is about to deliver her baby. She was told by an angel that this baby is a Holy child, the Son of God. They are to go to Joseph's home town to register for the tax. After a long and tedious journey on a winding, dusty road, the couple searched in vain to obtain shelter at any of the local inns. But there was simply no place to stay.With every inquiry came the same response, “No room.”

The weary and desperate couple finally found rest among some simple farm animals in a small stable, probably something like a lean-to, or a crude cave in the hillside. The animals voiced no objections, but allowed the couple in and witnessed the birth of the Christ child. Their gentle demeanor proved the perfect setting for the Holy One, the Lamb of God, to be brought forth. This is recorded history and no mere fairy tale.
In the fullness of time, God sent forth his son. Galations 4:4

Within each of us exists a similar place, an ideal place for the birth of the babe, awaiting our invitation to enter, in spite of how unkempt and odorous. No need to cleanse the dwelling, he will do that upon entering. No need to pretend in this place, no airs to put on, no hiding the raw desires to feed and survive. 
It is to this sort of place that the Christ child comes – the place where we truly live – deep in our hearts where we whisper things not meant for others to hear, things that reveal an uncertainty that cuts to the core. A place where shadows leave us wondering if what we see is true.

Remember John the Baptist - what was it that he said?  "Are you the One who is to come, or shall we look for another?" There is a doubt that nags, that restrains us, that holds us bound like prisoners, even while we see the prison doors fling open. It is from this bondage that Jesus came to free us, yet we continually disbelieve it, relegating the reality of God among us to that of a fairy tale. Can we change? Dare we? Perhaps this year...

Saturday, November 5, 2011

Thy Kingdom Come

God’s work in the world is validated by the fulfilling of His word! What has been foretold has come to pass! How many people can say that the exact time, place and circumstances of their birth were foretold thousands of years prior? Jesus’ was. How many can say that the work and accomplishments they would complete in their lifetime have been foretold and documented thousands of years before they even lived? Jesus’ were. How many of us can say with precise detail the circumstances by which we will die? Jesus’ persecution, trial and manner of death were all foretold. His miracles were foretold. It was even foretold what people would say to him as he hung upon the cross.
What else has God foretold? We would do well to know. How will his kingdom be established and how will his righteousness come upon the earth? We proclaim each week the unfolding truth of God’s word:
Christ has died.
Yes. We know this and seek to follow in his footsteps.
Christ has risen.
Yes. We celebrate this and hope for our own resurrection.
Christ will come again.
Really? Can we say that with the same assurance that we have when we proclaim that he came and rose from the grave? Do we know what the scriptures have to say regarding his eventual return? Shouldn’t we know, so that we will be able to receive him? So many missed him when he first came, but the word of God says that when he comes again, EVERY eye shall see him and EVERY tongue proclaim that Jesus Christ is Lord!