God Is With Us!

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.  We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.  (John 1:14)

            This Advent season I have spent a great deal of time meditating on the practical significance of the incarnation.  That is, what does it mean for us that the God of eternity chose to become one of us?  The more I think about it, the more fascinated I am with the mystery of it all, which is both encouraging and frustrating.  The logical part of my brain wants to be able to comprehend everything, while the rest of me appreciates the transcendent nature in which God chose to be revealed.  But the story of God acting in history was meant to be a mystery.  That’s what makes this such a special time of year.  During Advent we are called to ready our hearts for the long-expected Jesus so that the world will be ready for him to burst forth onto the scene. 

            I love the way that Bishop Goodpaster talks about the season, “The Incarnation signals the grand announcement that God will indeed take up residence in our world, renewing all of creation, transforming hearts and lives, and proclaiming grace and freedom. The coming of the Christ brings hope and healing to humanity, and restoration to a broken world. The season of Advent invites us to pay attention to what is happening around us and to be alert to the many ways God chooses to be revealed among us.”

            This season is filled with reasons to lose sight of the reason to ready our hearts.  There are presents to buy, cards to send, relatives to see, and parties to attend.  After all, this is one of the busiest times for most Americans.  It is my challenge to you during this season that you turn all of this busy-ness into a time of worship.  Try to see the sacrificial symbol of giving while you are wrapping your presents.  Attempt to realize Christ’s love for humanity when you are writing your cards.  Be sure to focus on the “humanness” of Jesus birth and life as you mingle with friends at parties.  In doing these things, we won’t lose sight of a God that loved the world so much that he sent his one and only son to bring light into the darkness.