When Jesus, Son of God, sent as the Word made flesh first came to dwell among us; the anticipation of a coming Messiah was common among his people. The appearance of Gabriel to Mary began a quiet anticipation of a coming child to her and to all her family. The appearance of signs in the heavens signaled to wise men the anticipated coming of a King. The shepherds were told by angels that they could anticipate finding a child in a manger.
These events are our points of reflection each year as we celebrate them and remember them. But they all point forward, with anticipation to the promises that "this Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven."
Today we live in a time between the times, the presence of Jesus, by his Spirit continues to dwell among us. We reflect back on His first advent, not simply the birth of a baby, but the life of a Savior and his astonishing work of grace in giving his life for us. We also anticipate forward his coming again.
Without these promises, that "I am with you always" and "I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also;" the Christmas story really falls flat. Today we live in a world where increasingly people in their "logic" are finding reasons to deny the story. They focus on this detail or that, but miss the point. It isn't just about a baby. It is about the world changing forever, about life transformation, about a kingdom emerging that is "not of this world" but that draws people from everywhere. It is about the presence of God among humans and a faith that has no cultural or ethnic limitations. It is about a relationship with God who invites us to be part of something far bigger and more significant than any organization or nation.
So with that, I wish all a very merry Christmas, and with it send my hope and wish that you may all know Jesus and the joy of anticipation that continues for those who await his return.
blessings,
Paul
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