Saturday Reflection – 11 December 2021

Saturday Reflection – 11 December 2021

“Where is the one who is wise? Where is the scribe? Where is the debater of this age? Has not God made foolish the wisdom of the world? 1 Corinthians 1:20

How is it, that as Christians, we are able to hold on to such hope, to possess such peace, to be filled with such joy and to emanate such love, that no matter the circumstances that we face, no matter the realities that surround us, there is still life and light wherever we go, and with whomever we engage on a daily basis. More than that, the deep and genuine hope, and peace, joy, and love that is found within us, that flows through us to those around us, is not seasonal or conditional, but is representative of the lasting hope, the incomprehensible peace, the strengthening joy, and the unconditional love that we have received freely from the Father.

This may be mind-boggling, and not an easily accepted notion by those who have not yet come to know Christ as their personal Lord and Saviour, and may even be cast aside as foolishness, disingenuous, or fanaticism. As the Apostle Paul confronts the church on the mystery of the power of God, we are reminded that our own understanding is limited and cannot match up to our Omnipotent, Omniscient and Omnipresent God. This truth reminds us that instead of trying to work out the mystery of God, we ought to cultivate simple faith, the faith of a child, without which we cannot enter the kingdom of heaven.

In this season of advent, which is a time of preparation, we are often confronted with the mystery of the first coming of Christ, born in Bethlehem of Judea, “…born a child and yet a king.” And even as we hear and reflect on the Nativity of Christ each Christmas, we believe by faith, that Christ left heaven, and by the power of the Holy Spirit, was born of the Virgin Mary, that the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. This mystery of the Incarnation, we accept by faith, and just that belief strengthens us, by reminding and offering to us hope, peace, joy, and love, wrapped up in the greatest gift that could ever be given, with which anyone who would freely accept would find life, and life more abundantly. The season of advent also strengthens our resolve, as we wait patiently for the second coming of Christ. As we reminded of the words of the prophets, and everything falling into place at the birth of the Saviour, in like manner, having read the Scriptures, accepted the gift of salvation, and being led by the Holy Spirit, we actively prepare, by our lip – in spreading the good news, and living a life that reflects the one who came to save us. That when the Lord should put in his appearance “…not just a Saviour, but a reigning king…” we will all be numbered among the saints that will go marching in.

This was the message of the angels to the shepherds, on that first advent of Christ, “Do not be afraid; for see – I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is the Messiah, the Lord.” (St. Luke 2:10-11) For us as Christians, this good news has changed our lives forever, and this is our message to the world. It is not about comprehending the mysteries of God, but to take God at His word, and to yield to the call of the Holy Spirit. We may find ourselves distracted by contemplating, by adducing, and experimenting to come to scientific conclusions that we miss the great and powerful mystery of the Saviour’s first advent, who came that we might have life, and have it more abundantly. We may be cultured to accept a Christmas tale that we reject when we get older, as we understand that it is not feasible, and only a Children’s fable. Not so, with the Nativity of Christ. If we continue to see it as a narrative, then we will overlook and sooner than later, forget that it actually happened and lose sight of its purpose and meaning “For Jews demand signs (attesting miracles), and Greeks pursue [worldly] wisdom and philosophy, but we preach Christ crucified, [a message which is] to Jews a stumbling block [that provokes their opposition], and to Gentiles foolishness [just utter nonsense], but to those who are the called, both Jews and Greeks (Gentiles), Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God. (1 Corinthians 1: 22-24, AMP) The truth is the world’s wisdom has only led to strife, confusion, pain and destruction, but in the Lord, His choicest blessings, a living hope, and an eternal inheritance!

Until next week, as we continue to reflect in this Advent season, may we ask God to renew our faith in Christ that we may believe, live, and be energized to spread the good news, that all may come to see, experience and know God’s choicest blessings, both bountifully and beautifully exhibited in the Lord’s Advent. Amen.

Dominic J. Blair