Advent Reflections

 

Love

“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. 

John 1:14 

Reflection

“The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.” In the silence of this moment, meditate on these words for a moment. Imagine the essential meaning and implications of this verse from the Gospel of John. The God of the universe and of complete perfection came to earth, physically and spiritually inhabiting our physical dwelling. Not by obligation. Not by universal mandate. But because of the depth of his eternal love for us all. So much so that He was willing to leave his heavenly dwelling, and in divine condescension, walked this earth in order to live among us and impart to us the Christ nature. The divine cloaked in the vessel of an infant child. The perfect, living among the imperfect. God and man, complete in both substance and essence.             

During this hectic time of year, it’s easy for us to forget the significance of why we celebrate. Although we may be flooded with reminders of what Christmas is all about, sometimes it is as if the essential truths of Advent fall on deaf ears. Although enjoyable aspect of the season, Christmas is not only about trees, decorations, presents and “chestnuts roasting on an open fire”. It’s not about the Christmas lights, music, parties and get togethers or A Charlie Brown Christmas. While all of these wonderful aspects of Christmas bring joy, warmth and laughter, they are ultimately not what it’s all about.  They are only supplements to the essential truth of Christmas: “The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us.”

As we celebrate this season with all of the traditions, gatherings and festivities that we hold dear in our hearts, may we celebrate with the knowledge that the God of the universe became one of us, made his dwelling among us, imparted his true nature to us and dwells with us today.            

Prayer

Most Gracious God, as we celebrate Christmas with all the pageantry, tradition and splendor, let us remember that the true reason that we celebrate is that you became flesh and made your dwelling among us. Enable us to remember that as we go from here to there, in celebration of Christmas, that you go with us as well. You divine nature dwells within us. May this be your celebration.  Amen.  

May God bless you. May he keep you. May his face eternally shine upon you. And may he give you peace!

Haribol