Week Three

Sunday December 15

Matthew 11:2-6

2 When John heard in prison what the Messiah was doing, he sent word by his disciples 3 and said to him, “Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?”  4 Jesus answered them, “Go and tell John what you hear and see:  5 the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news brought to them.  6 And blessed is anyone who takes no offense at me.”

Julian: “And with that he revealed his blessed power, his blessed wisdom, his blessed love, and that he protects us at such times, as tenderly and as sweetly, to his glory, and as surely to our salvation as he does when we are in the greatest consolation and comfort, and raises us to this in spirit, on high in heaven, and turns everything to his glory and to our joy without end.” (302)

John is overwhelmed by all that Jesus is doing, even though he is fully aware at some level that Jesus is truly Messiah.  Perhaps John has not seen him for a long time, or does not remember being startled in Elizabeth’s womb at the appearance of Mary.  Now though, he is fully aware and sends his disciples to ask the important question, “Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?”  As is saying, we don’t want to miss this event.

Julian reminds us that Christ revealed his power, his wisdom and his love in all that he did while present at Jesus, Son of the most high.  Matthew relates the conversation Jesus had with John’s disciples, “Go and tell John what you hear and see:  5 the blind receive their sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the poor have good news brought to them.  6 And blessed is anyone who takes no offense at me.”

We wait during Advent but we do not have to ask the question.  We wait for the glorious birth, but in reality it has already come and gone.  Now we, like John, wait for the one to come, again!  We do know about the blind receiving sight, the lame walking, those with cancer healed and the good news for the poor.  We are a part of Jesus work here on earth because we learned from his actions.  We want to be like Jesus.

As we walk through Advent it reminds us that God took the time to send God to earth.  God came to be Emmanuel, God with us then and God with us now.  Celebrate the glory of knowing, the answer Jesus gave to John.  There is good news here.

Questions for thought: Where have you seen Jesus working around you?  What would you tell John in answer to the question, “Are you the one who has come, or do we wait for another?”  Are you the one God sent to be Jesus here today?
 

Monday December 16

Luke 22:39-42

39   He came out and went, as was his custom, to the Mount of Olives; and the disciples followed him.  40 When he reached the place, he said to them, “Pray that you may not come into the time of trial.”  41 Then he withdrew from them about a stone’s throw, knelt down, and prayed,  42 “Father, if you are willing, remove this cup from me; yet, not my will but yours be done.”

Julian: “And therefore it is our part to love our God in whom we have our being, reverently thanking and praising him for our creation, mightily praying to our Mother for mercy and pity, and to our Lord the Holy Spirit for help and grace.” (296)

“As was his custom!” Jesus took time to pray and the Mount of Olives with the peaceful old olive trees was a favorite place.  The disciples followed him.  They had to know he was troubled about something since the Passover meal was different.  The words he spoke over the bread and the wine were perplexing to them.

It might seem odd at this time of year to read words about Jesus and his time of trial.  As beautiful and wonderful as this season is for most people it can also be a time of trial for others.  Unlike Jesus they may not be able to kneel in a peaceful place and pray. They may not be able to say to God, “not my will but yours be done.”

Our part in helping another person through this time may be in Julian’s words, “…reverently thanking and praising him for our creation…” and using our prayers to lift up one who cannot pray.

Jesus wanted the disciples with him but he loved them enough to wish that they could escape the trials he would face.  Perhaps that is why he asks God to remove the cup from him, not for his own sake but for the sake of those with him.  Yet he is willing to do God’s will. Even unto death on the cross.

Walking through Advent is a time of joy, peace and hope – for most people.  Walking through Advent may be a time of despair, confusion and tumult for others.  No matter which statement fits your life, always know that God, the Holy Spirit and Christ are there with you.  When the stars shine to remind us of the birth of the Christ child, it is for you.  When the choirs sing the hallelujahs, the hymns of birth and carols of joy, it is for you.  When Christ is born and comes again, it is for you.  Our Lord is here for help and grace.

Hallelujah!! Christ is born.

Questions for thought: Do you have a peaceful place to sit and pray for God’s guidance through Advent?  Is there someone you need to add to your list that may not be experiencing peace, joy and hope right now?  Is there some small way you can make a difference by showing that person Christ is born for them?

Tuesday December 17

Luke 22: 54-62

54   Then they seized him and led him away, bringing him into the high priest’s house. But Peter was following at a distance.  55 When they had kindled a fire in the middle of the courtyard and sat down together, Peter sat among them.  56 Then a servant-girl, seeing him in the firelight, stared at him and said, “This man also was with him.”  57 But he denied it, saying, “Woman, I do not know him.”  58 A little later someone else, on seeing him, said, “You also are one of them.” But Peter said, “Man, I am not!”  59 Then about an hour later still another kept insisting, “Surely this man also was with him; for he is a Galilean.”  60 But Peter said, “Man, I do not know what you are talking about!” At that moment, while he was still speaking, the cock crowed.  61 The Lord turned and looked at Peter. Then Peter remembered the word of the Lord, how he had said to him, “Before the cock crows today, you will deny me three times.”  62 And he went out and wept bitterly.

Julian: “…therefore I said: Lord, you know what I want, if it be your will that I have it, and if it be not your will, good Lord, do not be displeased, for I want nothing which you do not want.” (178)

Every time I read this passage I wonder at Peter’s insistence on not knowing Jesus.  I wonder how he could stand there and not once but three times say he never knew him. He must have been terribly frightened.

Jesus knew Peter’s heart.  Jesus knew the brash spirit of Peter, which is why he later chose him to begin the church.  In many ways Peter is a rock but at this moment he is much more like a marshmallow.  In many ways Peter is exactly like us!

We know that Advent and Christmas are about the birth of God’s Son yet the majority of our activities and our messages to others have nothing to do with that miracle.  We promise God that this year will be different.  This year our focus will be on the baby Jesus- not on the gifts, the decorating, the parties and the shopping.  Then before we know it Christmas is here and little if any time has been spent with Christ.  Little time has been spent telling others, reminding others that it really is about the baby.  Oops, was it the young girl, or the man asking questions that we did not take time with this year?

Slow down, take some time to see Christ in what you are doing and remind another person of the true reason for this season.  Slow down and remember that the gifts are what we receive from Christ, not the ones we purchase at the store. 

The real meaning of Christmas is God’s love in sending God to be with us.  The real meaning of Christmas is the eternal life we receive because Christ came to earth and Christ will come again.

 

Wednesday December 18

Mark 1:1-5

1   The beginning of the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

2       As it is written in the prophet Isaiah,

         “See, I am sending my messenger ahead of you,

                  who will prepare your way;

3       the voice of one crying out in the wilderness:

                  ‘Prepare the way of the Lord,

                  make his paths straight,’”

4 John the baptizer appeared in the wilderness, proclaiming a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins.  5 And people from the whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem were going out to him, and were baptized by him in the river Jordan, confessing their sins.

Julian: “And so Christ is our way, safely leading us in his laws, and Christ in his body mightily bears us up into heaven; for I saw that Christ, having us all in him who shall be saved by him, honourably presents his Father in heaven with us, which present his Father most thankfully receives, and courteously gives to his Son Jesus Christ.  (286)

It is the beginning of the story of Christ and his work for us.  Mark introduces Jesus and identifies him as God’s Son.  Jesus is the one who will prepare the way for us through the wilderness of life.  John, his cousin, will prepare the way for Jesus by his proclamation of a baptism of repentance.  No longer will those who sin be outcasts, no longer will it be necessary for them to offer some material sacrifice as payment for sin.  John is helping them to prepare for something great and wonderful, life after sin, life after repentance and life after forgiveness.

Christ is the way for us to be totally in the presence of God, a gift from God and a gift from Christ to God, our eternity.  How wonderful it is to think about gifts right now in this season of Advent when a part of our time is spent choosing the right gift for someone.

Choosing a gift can be a process to think about what the person needs; in some cases we do not “need” anything.   Perhaps we think about something they collect, or would simply make them smile.  Often the gift we give is something meaningful to us and our hope is that it is meaningful to another.

The gift of Advent is a time to prepare, it really is something we need, to get ready for the arrival of the Christ child.  The gift of Advent is a part of our collection of seasons.  This season begins our Christian year and reminds us that it all began with the birth of the Christ child.  The gift of Advent is meaningful and when we share this time with those we care about we share the meaning of Christ in us.

The very best thing about this gift is it is free to give.  You don’t even need wrapping paper, a bow or a gift tag.  Just share the message of Bethlehem.

Questions for thought:  When you think about a special gift you have received is it because you needed it, it made you smile or the meaning was so beautiful you have never forgotten the gifter?  God gave us the gift of Christ, have you accepted the gift?

Thursday December 19

26   In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent by God to a town in Galilee called Nazareth,  27 to a virgin engaged to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. The virgin’s name was Mary.  28 And he came to her and said, “Greetings, favored one! The Lord is with you.”  29 But she was much perplexed by his words and pondered what sort of greeting this might be.  30 The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God.  31 And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus.  32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David.  33 He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.”  34 Mary said to the angel, “How can this be, since I am a virgin?”  35 The angel said to her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be holy; he will be called Son of God.

Julian: In this God brought our Lady to my understanding. I saw her spiritually in her bodily likeness, a simple, humble maiden, young in years, of the stature which she had when she conceived. (131)

The announcement of something miraculous by an angel sent from God.  A young woman, already engaged, living in a little town called Nazareth.  Who could ever imagine anything great coming from this little place?  Why was this young woman chosen?  The answer is simply because she has found favor with God.  It is not because she is royalty, not because she is the most beautiful woman in all of Israel, and it is not because she is from the wealthiest family.  In some way Mary has lived her life as an example of one whom God desires to raise the Son who will save the world.  This young woman will carry God’s Son, nurture the baby, teach him to walk and tell him stories of God, sing songs to him and cradle him when he hurts.  What an awesome responsibility!

Mary is assured that her son will be great, will be called the Son of the Most High and will ascend to the throne of David.  The child will be holy; he will be called the Son of God, and his name will be Jesus.  It all sounds so wonderful at the time.  Maybe the angel left out some important facts so Mary would only experience the joy of this announcement.  This is Advent, and Christmas; we don’t even want to think of the other season of preparation, Lent, leading to Good Friday and Easter. 

The angel left out all the parts about her son being ridiculed, doubted and worse.  The angel simply gives her the good news.  Maybe for Advent that’s enough.  Maybe for us that’s enough, just to remember the joy of this child coming into the world.  If Mary had not been the one of favor, the one to be overjoyed about this new Son, then today we may not be in the midst of Advent.

For us there is only a short time left until we celebrate with the world the birth of the Son of God.  Maybe we should be like this sweet young woman and just take absolute joy in being chosen by God to share in the life of Jesus.  It is our time to remember he is the greatest gift, given first to this young woman but ultimately to all of us.  It is possible to hear that angel speak to us, “Greetings favored one! The Lord is with you.” 

Questions for thought:  Think about God’s choice of Mary to not only give birth but to raise this little boy to be the Son of God and son of man.  How can you help a child to be more like God’s Son?  How do you feel when you hear the angel greet you as “favored” and reminding you “The Lord is with you”?

  

Friday December 20

Matthew 1: 18-25

18  Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit.  19 Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly.  20 But just when he had resolved to do 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 as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.  21 She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”  22 All this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet:

23     “Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,

                  and they shall name him Emmanuel,”

which means, “God is with us.”  24 When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife,  25 but had no marital relations with her until she had borne a son; and he named him Jesus.

Julian: “ Also God showed me part of the wisdom and truth of her soul, and in this I understood the reverent contemplation with which she beheld her God, marveling with great reverence that he was willing to be born of her who was a simple creature created by him.” (131)

Today we read about a different announcement from the angel of the Lord.  This one contains much of the same information we read from Luke but now it is Joseph who hears about the miracle.  Joseph is the man who will act as an alternate father to Jesus, he too must be a person God trusts to raise the Son of God well.

We know Joseph is a kind man because he wishes to treat Mary well when in actuality he could have had her stoned to death.  She is betrothed to him and now she is pregnant, but they have not slept together.  Just at the point of his firm resolve the angel appears.  Isn’t it so like God to wait and send us a message just when we have everything worked out the way we want it all to go? 

The angel explains Mary’s circumstance and assures Joseph this child will be great.  This child will be the one announced by the prophets who will save the world from sin.  How could Joseph possibly argue with words so powerful?  He cares for Mary and once the child is born  he names him Jesus as instructed.

Joseph, a man of God, must have seen the wisdom and strength in Mary.  She was so young and yet she was willing to do whatever God asked of her.  If Mary could do her part then certainly Joseph would do his part.

It would be Joseph’s responsibility to teach Jesus the scriptures, to take him along with him to study, to see how the world worked and to train him to be a carpenter like his earthly father.  God will use the wisdom and kindness of this man to help the Son of God learn about fitting small pieces together, to learn about the business of everyday living and to learn about loving others even when it does not seem logical.

Walking through Advent may be simply listening to God and doing something that God asks without questioning how it will work, how it will turn out or how it got to this point.  Walking through Advent is exciting when we know we are a part of the great miracle. 

It is only a short distance now to the manger.  Like Julian says of Mary, maybe we can simply marvel at the reverence of God coming to a simple creature created by God.  God comes to each of us in this baby we will celebrate. 

Questions for thought:  In what ways does Joseph’s life help us to see how we might train someone to know Christ by becoming an alternate to that person?  As you begin to complete your own Advent walk can you still marvel at God coming to us, the simple creatures of God?

Saturday December 21

Luke 1:39-45

39    In those days Mary set out and went with haste to a Judean town in the hill country, 40 where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth.  41 When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit 42 and exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.  43 And why has this happened to me, that the mother of my Lord comes to me?  44 For as soon as I heard the sound of your greeting, the child in my womb leaped for joy.  45 And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord.”

Julian: “And because of the wonderful, exalted and singular love that he has for this sweet maiden, his blessed mother, our Lady St. Mary, he reveals her bliss and joy through the sense of these sweet words, as if he said, do you wish to see how I love her, so that you could rejoice with me in the love which I have in her and she has in me?

We love to share good news with friends, especially someone really close, like your best friend.  There are also times when you need to share something but you cannot just share it with anyone, it must be someone special.  Elizabeth was special to Mary.  Even the angel Gabriel knew they were close.  When Gabriel announced to Mary that she would be the one to bear the Son of God he told her Elizabeth, her cousin, was already six months pregnant with a son.  This news is just as unlikely as Mary’s news, one miracle to match another miracle.  It is very likely the impact of this news helped Mary decide to visit Elizabeth.

Joy on joy when Mary arrives.  Mary does not knock but simply walks in, already knowing about Elizabeth’s special baby boy.  Elizabeth’s greeting is unexpected. Filled with the Holy Spirit, and a child that has just turned a flip in her body, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.”  How special for Elizabeth to recognize Mary’s pregnancy when there was no outward sign yet.  Mary had to be filled with peace and assurance.  Elizabeth now understands how her son will prepare the way for the Son of God.

Julian explains that Jesus let her know in her vision how much Mary was loved, the bliss and joy of God in her life.  Elizabeth, filled with joy at her own pregnancy is even more joyful to see Mary, the mother of her Lord.  A blessed woman chosen by God. 

We can experience this same joy and excitement as we prepare ourselves to receive Christ in a special way this season.  Even though we know Christ is present there are always moments of greater realization.  Something happens that fills us, like Elizabeth with an excitement, an inner trembling, to remind us that Christ is before us, around us and doing something special.

Look around you to see the expectation of a child as they see the lights twinkling or gaze at the ornaments on a tree.  Watch with wonder when the stars in the sky seem to sparkle brighter on a clear cold night.  Just sit and watch for moments of joy in another person and feel that same joy explode in you, just because!

Questions for thought:  How do share joy with someone special in your life?  Can you be overwhelmed with the excitement of their joy as well as your own?