Advent Reflections: December 17

Joy 

“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. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

 Luke 2:9-12

Reflection

Fear of the unknown is a very common emotion these days. As our world continues to change, unknown factors of life increase as well. Our lives are filled with many uncertainties, all of which contain a litany of various unfamiliar aspects and results. When faced with the unfamiliar, many of us find ourselves reacting with every emotion from uneasiness to shear panic. Basically, most us just don’t like to face the unknown.

But with every unknown situation, there is the opportunity for joy to transcend our fears. Unfortunately, fear is one of the greatest factors that hold most of us back from accomplishing extraordinary things. Think about this for a moment. Is it not usually true that when we take a critical step of faith, trusting God even while consumed with fear, that the overwhelming joy we experience overshadows previous fears? Is it not usually worth the risk?  

As the Angel of the Lord appeared to the Shepherds, and the manifestation of the glory of God surrounded them, they were afraid. Who wouldn't be? In the presence of the unknown, fear overshadowed the joy that the Divine was about to proclaim. By the angel’s words, “Do not be afraid”, the Good News of Christ was proclaimed, and the unknown became known. Fear became joy. Truth transcended uncertainty.          

                      

Prayer

God, we face many uncertainties in this world and confess that the unknown causes great fear. But in your declaration of truth, through Christ, all fears are transcended to joy. Allow the essential truth that was declared to the shepherds to be the same joy that finds us today. 

Amen 

Advent Reflections: December 15

Joy

“And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of His servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is his name. His mercy extends to those who fear him,from generation to generation. He has performed mighty deeds with his arm; he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts. He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. He has filled the hungry with good things but has sent the rich away empty. He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors.”
Luke 1:46-55

Reflection

As we continue our journey into the third week of Advent together, most of us just might be finally settling into the routine of the Christmas season. There may be a last minute gift to buy, a few decorations to set in the perfect place and a few meals to prepare, but more than likely, things are probably settling down into a more consistent pace of life. Perhaps we can all finally take a breath and relax, if only for a few minutes. These are important times. The times when we can reflect and meditate on what is most important in our lives. These are the times when joy begins to fill our hearts, and anxiety slips away just a bit.

When we read the words of today’s passage, often called Mary’s Song, it’s impossible to not feel the deep joy that she must have felt in uttering these words. She cannot contain the emotions that fill her soul as she calls out, praising the God from where her joy comes. Her joy is overflowing from deep within her, and she wants all who hear her to feel the same joy that she does. Even today, over two thousand years later, her cries of joy can be felt in these quiet moments of our Advent celebrations.

As with peace, joy is often misunderstood in today's culture. Joy is a lasting emotion that rests deep in the recess of our soul. As with peace, joy is not based on the circumstances or our day to day ups and down, but transcends the external, and rest deep within the internal of our true selves.

Let us take time to reflect on the blessings that God has given us and those we love. Let us hear the words of Mary that are just as true for us today as they were with her so long ago. They are true. They are real. They are now. Let them fill our hearts, our minds and our spirits.

Prayer

God, as we settle into the Christmas Season, allow our hearts to settle as well. Let our hearts be filled with peace and the same overwhelming joy that Mary felt so long ago. 

Amen

Advent Reflections - December 14

Peace

“In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe.”

 Hebrews 1:1-2

Reflection

Why is it that we so often feel compelled to live our lives in the past? Why do we so frequently attempt to build our current days based on false manifestation of the "perfection" of yesterday? You’ve heard the expressions: “Those were the good ‘ol days!” “Remember when…?” “Things are just not like they used to be.” "I wish I could go back..." 

I am especially reminded of this during the Christmas season because many of us are drawn to the tendency of focusing so much on tradition. As soon as the decorations come out, the festive music starts playing and we watch our favorite TV shows, we allow ourselves to be transported to another place and time. Many of us think back to Christmases that we experienced when were younger, and long for those nostalgic feelings that captured us then. In an effort to recreate memories of yesterday, we strive to re-create a Christmas that mimics those of our past. 

The problem with nostalgia is that it manipulates our focus to rest on something that doesn't exists. The past remains only in the memories of the ego, leaving us unable to relive the days that have been. The only thing in which we have control over is the present moment. The passage of time is an illusion, and ruminating on the past doesn't serve our highest good. The past is no longer. Tomorrow will be. Today is what it is.

As we come to the closing of the second week of Advent, let us remember to rest in the peace of the present. God once spoke to the people of Israel through the prophets of old, and revealed the coming of Christ. For a time God was silent, and God's people longed with nostalgia for the days when he spoke. But, it was in their present moment that God spoke again. Christ came into the world. No more longing. No more looking back. Emmanuel, God with us!        

Prayer

God, in the quiet of this moment, help us to live our lives in the all encompassing peace of your presence. Enable us to rest in the great blessing of the present moment, coming to the realization that it is all that exists. Free us from the illusion of time, opening our hearts to what is. In your presence, there is no past. There is no future. You are with us now, and that is more than enough.      

Amen    

Advent Reflections - December 13

Peace

“All this took place to fulfill

what the Lord had said

through the prophet: “The

virgin will conceive and give

birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”). When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife.”

Matthew 1:22-24

Reflection

Peace is somewhat of a priceless commodity these days.  Let’s face it. We live in chaotic and uncertain times with most of the circumstances that surround us inducing anything but peace. From continuing threats of political instability, terrorism and war to blatant injustice, singing “peace on earth” can seem to be empty words. Especially during the Christmas Season, peace is something that can easily elude us. Images of joyful family Christmas dinners, warm fireplaces and happy children around a Christmas tree can seem to resemble more of a Norman Rockwell painting rather than reality.

One of the greatest misconceptions in today’s culture is the misinterpretation peace. Most often, we confuse “peace” with the haphazard emotion of “happiness”. Happiness is an emotion that stems from the circumstances around us; peace is an emotion that rises above them. Peace transcends the circumstances of life and determines how we react. In fact, one could say that peace is more of a state of mind rather than a feeling or sentiment. Peace comes when we relinquish control of that which cannot be controlled. 

In the words of Matthew 1:22-24, we read of a situation that may have seemed overwhelming, confusing and filled with fear and uncertainty. Joseph could have awoken from his dream in sheer panic, argued with God and run from the circumstances that were thrust upon him. He could have legally divorced Mary and would have been completely justified by culture and faith. After all, from all earthly perspectives, she had cheated on him and was pregnant with another man’s child. Who would blame him for bailing out? 

This reveals much about how Joseph reacted to his circumstances. From our point of view, Joseph didn’t argue, question or choose to panic over the news God gave him. He didn’t run, get angry or blame anyone for what was going on. Instead he chose not to react to his circumstances, but submitted to that which could not be controlled. He accepted how his life was about to radically change, and as far as we can tell, he had peace.

 Let it be our prayer today that we react in the same manner to the sometimes uncontrollable circumstances of life.

        

Prayer

God, we confess that sometimes we react to our circumstances with fear, anger or panic. It is in these times that we lose hold of the peace that you want for each and every one of us. May we take hold of your peace and let it overwhelm us, rather than the troubles of life.

Amen 

Advent Reflections: December 13

Joy

“This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”
Matthew 1:18-21

Reflection

There are times in life when occasions that usually should bring joy do anything but. Two people are married for the wrong reasons. A promotion is accepted, but requires too much time away from home. A new home is purchased, but the debt is overwhelming. A child is born when the pregnancy was unplanned and unexpected. 

Most of us do our best to make good choices in life, but we all make mistakes, don't we? When those mistakes become realities, we hope and pray with all of our heart that God will transform our circumstances and forgive us in our failures. And sometimes we see that our circumstances, although not anticipated or planned for, turn out to be unexpected blessings from a loving God.

Joseph certainly did not anticipate Mary becoming pregnant before they were married. The Bible tells us that he was a righteous man, most likely making good decisions for most of his young life. But yet here he was, facing the possible ending of his relationship with Mary and the ramifications that would affect both of them for the rest of their lives. 

But being a man of God and knowing and knowing that something unusual was going on, Joseph made the best decision that his human mind could comprehend: he would divorce Mary with as much dignity possible. After all, from his perspective, she had been unfaithful.

It was only then that God stepped in to reveal to Joseph that this blessed occasion would not be a burden after all, but an event that would change the world. Joseph made the wrong decision based on his limited knowledge. God revealed that this was not his choice to make, and regardless of the unexpected circumstances, joy would rise from the birth of this unexpected child.

Prayer

God, in the midst of our mistakes, bad decisions, our failures and unexpected situations in life, help us to see the joy in all that you do through us. Help us to see that while our circumstances may be unexpected, joy can always come through our trust in you.

Amen

Advent Reflections - December 10

Peace 

“This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.”
 
1 John 4:10

Reflection

 

There is no greater emotion than love. Love can envelop an eclectic collection of emotions that often contradict each other and leave us either elated or completely confused. Love can conjure up a range of feelings from happiness, laughter and contentment, to thoughts of anger, hatred and jealousy. Love can lift us up, and love can bring us crashing to the ground. Love unites cultures and love can also divide communities. Love can conquer all obstacles of life and love can leave us utterly defeated. Love can find us included among close friends and family or leave us feeling abandoned and lonely. Love can be all, or it can be nothing.

Love also generates peace, a peace and joyful contentment that transforms the very essence of who we are. It can catapult us from the often mundane pace of life to an exciting journey that leaves us confident of accomplishing anything that we face. Love can consume us with peace, and most often that peace comes from being loved, rather than loving. Being loved by others is a confirming indication that we matter. That we are worthy of love. That the make-up of who we are, has caused another human being to be moved to this radical and all encompassing emotion: Love.

As we read these words today’s passage, we discover a very simple and yet complex and perplexing truth: God loves us. He loves me. He loves you. And all that God has done through Christ, has nothing to do with how much, or how little we love God, but how much he loves us. His love for each one of us is an overwhelming and transforming mystery; the same mystery that revolves around the incarnation. A love so massive and without limit, and yet it was contained and confined in the limited vessel of a small child. A love that compelled the God of all that is, all that has been and all that will be, to descend into the darkness of this chaotic world and live among us. This is love: Emmanuel, God with us!

Prayer
God, your love for us is without limit, without understanding and without end. In our feeble attempts to love you, God, let us receive your love through the blessings of this Advent Season. Let us rest, feel your peace and be loved by you.

Amen

Advent Reflections - December 12

Peace

“After they had heard the king, they went on their way, and the star they had seen when it rose went ahead of them until it stopped over the place where the child was. When they saw the star, they were overjoyed. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their

treasures and presented him with gifts 

                                                                     of gold, frankincense and myrrh.”

                                                                     Matthew 2:9-11

Reflection

The astrological event that led the wise men to Jesus was brighter and more spectacular than any other. Through God’s divine providence, it appeared to announce the birth of Christ for those that were watching and waiting. From all practical perspectives, everyone should have noticed the splendor of this unusual event. But the Bible and other historical sources tell us that this was unfortunately not the case. Only a few educated philosophers and astronomers were able to interpret this glorious birth announcement, three of which are revealed in our passage for today. They knew that they were witnessing an extraordinary event. Something was taking place that was beyond the traditional and often narrow view of the natural world, and they wanted to be a part of it.

Sometimes we allow tradition to cloud our perspective of what God is doing in our world. We get so consumed with our narrow view of things that we forget that God's view encompasses so much more. Especially during the Christmas holidays, it’s easy for us to get sidetracked. It’s easy to slip into a complacent mindset that misses the big picture. When this happens, peace tends to elude us and joy becomes a rare. Just as many missed the coming of the Messiah, we miss the unusually bright star in our lives as well because we fail to look up.

As we come to the end of the second week of Advent, let us commit ourselves to look up and see things from God’s perspective. Let us not miss the “bright morning star”. Let us keep our eyes upon the “light of the world”. As He guides us toward Christmas, let our perspective be clear, and our view broad.       

Prayer

God, we confess that sometimes we allow ourselves to be consumed by the cultural views around us. With our eyes focused on the world, we miss the miraculous things that you do in our lives. Help us, Lord to keep our eyes focused upon you and not miss the guiding stars that you place before us. 
Amen 

Advent Reflections - December 23

Love

“The angel answered,“The Holy Spirit will come on you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. So the holy one to be born will be called the Son of God."

 Luke 1:35

Reflection

As we read these words, it’s easy to imagine some of the thoughts that must have been racing through Mary's young mind. “Why me?”, “There’s nothing special about me!”, “I’m not good enough.”, “I’m too young.”, “I’m not ready for this!”, “This isn’t what I had planned!” But yet here she was, facing a choice that was actually not really a choice at all when you think about it. “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May your word to me be fulfilled.” God chose Mary. An ordinary woman, with human faults like anyone else, recognized that the love of God was about to overwhelm humanity and that she would be used as its vessel. 

How often do we question ourselves when God wants to use us? Instead of recognizing the awesome fact that the God of all creation chooses to use flawed human beings, we resist thinking that we know better than God. Mary wasn’t perfect. She was afraid, confused and maybe even doubted herself a bit, yet God still chose her. With all her fears, imperfections and questions, she heard the call of God, chose not to hesitate and acknowledged that his plan was obviously much bigger than hers. In love, God chose her and in obedience, she was willing to say, “I am the Lord’s servant.”

  As the season of Advent comes to a close, may we set aside our plans, hesitations and fears of imperfection. May we trust in a God that chooses to use us, not because he has to, not because we are perfect, but because he loves us, and nothing more. 

 

Prayer

Lord God, it is in this quiet moment that we acknowledge your presence and perfect love for us. We know that we are far from perfect, and we know that our imperfections sometimes hold us back. But as we meditate on your perfection, help us to trust in you and that your decisions are always right. Give us the strength to step forward when you call, knowing that it is because of your love that you chose us. Let it be only in love that we serve you.

Amen