Suggested Reading: Colossians 1:15-23
As
Advent begins, I find myself reflecting on what it all means. What is the
purpose of the coming of Christ? I have found a simple and potent explanation
in the first chapter of Paul’s letter to the Colossians. I am struck by the
immensity of the miracle as well as by the purpose of the incarnation. God
became one of us so that we could be reconciled to Him!
Have
you ever been alienated from a loved one? Have you ever been estranged from a
friend? Have you experienced separation where you desire connection, distance
where you want closeness?
I
have. I have experienced geographic distance, as I have lived across the sea
from my family and friends. But I have also known what it is to be physically
close but a million miles away in the heart. How many times have I looked
across the table to a vacant look in their eyes? Physically present, but
distant or guarded; not available, not here with me. We have all known broken
or damaged relationships. We know the pain of it, but sometimes we do not know
how to make it better. Sometimes we try, only to find our efforts at
reconciliation rebuffed and we are left with more pain than before.
Relationship
is the root and trunk of the universe. God designed and created us for life
with Him. We are hard-wired for relationship. But we messed up. Both
corporately and individually we have made mistakes (some of them wilful) that
have broken our relationship with the Community that is our Trinitarian God.
So,
The Trinity decided to achieve reconciliation where none seemed possible. The
Son became one of us, a human being, while simultaneously also being part of
the Godhead. He brought the two irreconcilable sides together in Himself. The
God-Man reconciled God and Man!
Now,
because of the miracle of the incarnation, we can walk and talk with God as
Jesus did. This is the Gospel and the miracle of Christmas. Although once we
were alienated, now we have been reconciled. When we could not close the
distance, God broke through. Where once we could not reach Him, now He is with
us! We never have to live apart from Him again.
May
we continue to draw near and experience all that Advent means this Christmas,
and every day.
........................
Questions:
In
what areas of your life are you aware of God’s nearness?
How
might you cultivate broader and deeper awareness of Him?
As
you approach advent, is there anyone with whom you need to seek reconciliation?
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