Advent Week 2: Getting Closer
December 7th, 2008 by Steve
This advent I’ve been think about the arrival of Jesus. More specifically, his approaching. How close does God come?
Theology dictates that God, through Jesus comes very close.
- Politically close… calling for a new king, new government, new reign, a new way to lead.
- Perspectively close… Jesus’ mere presence causes kings to murder, astrologers to worship, shepherds to freak and rejoice, and new mothers to ponder.
- Humanly close… Jesus sets aside the eternally glorious persona, reducing himself to a language/image that is accessible to you, me, and the neighbor next to the manger.
Probably the only thing that limits God’s closeness… is us… not that God can’t break through… but somewhere there’s a respect for Gods’ creation. Sadly, we have this nasty habit of keeping others at distance.
- Have you ever wondered why the family gathering can’t get by the traditions into real conversation?
- Have you ever wondered why any serious talk about Advent often turns back to the weather, the price of gas, or the crowded malls?
- Have you ever wondered why the most wonderful time of the year can feel the most lonely?
There are no easy answers and I’m not going to pretend to prescribe reasons why other than to suggest that we all have experienced this at some level.
Getting closer is hard.
God comes closer.
I wonder if I’ll let it happen.
Will I sit still enough and not run away to the next “to do” on my list?
Will I reflect long enough to ponder my hopes and fears of all the years?
Will I reach out enough and admit I need to receive something that I dare not put on my wish list?
Will I embrace the moment or wish for the next?
It seems that God getting closer can strike as much fear in me as hope. Not fear of God as maybe fear of myself of what I really need, what I really feel, what I really want.
Maybe this Advent is about trusting that the God who comes close invites me closer. Here comes God… there is no need to run and hide.
Come, Lord Jesus.
