Tag Archives: Advent

Advent – Why did Jesus come to earth?

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“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people.”” Luke 2:8-10

Shepherds watching over their sheep…it sounds so quaint, these kind, respectable men being responsible leaders, upstanding citizens… Or were they? It seems that history would paint biblical shepherds in a different light as outcasts, those on the fringe of society. And yet God chose to appear before these men, rather than those of high standing. The angel of the lord, in the fullness of God’s glory, presents make the most important proclamation to the likes of them. Why? Because God’s love and truth is intended for all who would receive it. How like God to reveal himself and his purpose through those the world rejected. How like God to give us this as an example, that we too would reveal God’s love and amazing grace with those in our lives that ALL may know of his truth and grace.

How many ways and with how many people can you think of to share the REAL reason for Christmas with this season? GOOD news for ALL people!

Advent – waiting in obedience; seeking God’s will

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The angel of the Lord came to Mary and spoke the prophecy to her. She would give birth to the savior of the world. “Then Mary said, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.” Then the angel departed from her.” Luke 1:38

There is much that confounds me about Luke’s accounting of the prophecy of Jesus’s conception and birth. The angel appears to Mary and she doesn’t freak out. She accepts that it is the angel of the lord. He says she will give birth even though she remains a virgin. She asks about this but readily accepts the incredulous explanation. And she responds with such faith, “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.”

I completely believe this account and yet still find Mary’s faith so remarkable and such an every-day reality. I find it likely you and I might have been taken more off guard and perhaps with more to say about the events that were to pass. I mean, an angel of the lord comes to your door. What is YOUR reaction?

As we discussed before, God looks for “FAT” followers, that is, those who are Faithful, Available, and Teachable. Especially in this advent season let us find ourselves actively seeking God’s presence throughout each day, faithfully waiting for the revelation of his plan for us, and in obedience to his call. Let’s have the attitude of “Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.”

“You will seek me and you will find me when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13

Advent – preparing for ‘x’?

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Here we are in the beginning of the Advent season where we prepare for and commemorate the arrival of Jesus Christ. Fully God, yet He chose to come to earth as a fragile human baby. It reminds me of a conversation I had with God several decades ago:

God: Bryan I notice you’re getting ready for a holiday. Which is it?
Bryan: Why, it’s Xmas of course.
God: Xmas?
Bryan: Yes, you know, when Christ came to earth as a little human baby.
God: Oh you mean CHRISTmas?
Bryan: Yes, that’s what I said, xmas.
God: Bryan would it be okay if I just called you xguy?
Bryan: Huh? why would you do that?
God: Well, you know, to save time. Adding all those extra letters that represent the miracle of who you are is a real chore, you know.
Bryan: You’re being a bit sarcastic aren’t you?
God: Whatever best gets the point across to you.
Bryan: I get it. When I refer to ‘xmas’ I’m sort of taking a shortcut that depersonalizes the celebration of the real Jesus. But does writing CHRISTmas on my shopping list really make a difference? I mean, it’s not like anyone else will ever see it.
God: Does it cause you to pause a moment and think about the reason for this season of celebration and gift giving?
Bryan: Well, when you put it that way, yes.
God: Merry Christmas, Bryan!
Bryan: Merry, x…I mean Merry Christmas to you too. And God, thank you for this wonderful gift!

Maybe it’s a small thing. But how about we pledge to keep Christ in Christmas this year? In our written greetings, but more importantly, in our thoughts and heart. I’m not suggesting a worldwide campaign. I’m just wondering if we might ban “xmas” from our personal vocabulary. Certainly we have time to write five more letters in the word. Yes, I get the idea that the x might represent the cross, but that is another holiday. Let’s enjoy the advent season as one of anticipation of the arrival of Jesus Christ into our world and into our hearts. And let’s enjoy a very Merry Christmas!

“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.”
John 1:14