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This first week of Advent brings us to a Biblical phrase Paul used in his letter to the church in Galatia: "But when the fullness of the time had come, God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, that we might receive the adoption as sons" (Galatians 4:4-5) he repeats this phrase in another letter, this time to the church in Ephesus: "...as a plan for the fullness of time, to bring all things in heaven and on earth together in Christ." (Ephesians 1:10). Paul may or may not have been 'in the Spirit' at the time of these writings, but he definitely encapsulated the prophecy of Apostle John, "I am the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. (Revelation 22:13).
Jesus birth was foretold to Mary, Joseph, the shepherds and the wise men of the East. We retell the story, decorate our sanctuaries and plan events, both dramatic and musical to celebrate the event and to spread the Gospel story to the world. Or at least, to our local community.
I always find this time of year to be one in which time itself seems to speed by. Spring was nice, summer brought warm weather and picnics and fall seemed to arrive too soon, but now, Advent! Come January, most of us will look back fondly and ask ourselves, where did the time go? Of course, time will intrude itself on us when the credit card bills start showing up on the mail. But I digress.
This season brings joy and warmth to our inner self, we revel in the pageantry of it all. Let us not forget those for whom this month will bring sorrow, tears, loneliness and the sadness of lost loved ones. Not only those who have passed on to glory, but those estranged loved ones we haven't heard from in a long time.
I don't intend to bring everyone down, but if we are truly Christian, we must reach out to everyone, rich or poor, from whatever cultural background and whatever race or nationality. We are all created in God's image and therefore are worthy of God's expression of love. This month we must set aside our differences, both physical and idealistic, to embrace the gift of God, his Son, Jesus the Christ.
I grew up in a multi-cultural, multi-ethnic city. Things were rough in the 1950's, they got better in the 60's and by the 80's most of my peers thought all that bias nonsense had giving way to understanding and acceptance. I am so hurt by our current social situation, as if we have traveled back in time to the 1700's. I pray that God will look down on us and say again, "The fullness of time has arrived." Perhaps this backward attitude is wishful thinking, but Paul's letter lays out for us God's plan; to bring all things together in Christ. Not some things, not some people, but all creation together as He planned at the beginning.
I wish for you a joyous Christmas holiday, may you find the peace of Christ within you. If you have not been to a worship service in a while, now would be a good time to attend. I guaranty you will be greeted with love and understanding as well as some good music, familiar carols and perhaps the children's drama will touch your heart. Pick a church, any church, and go as the wise men did so long ago, to seek Him.