The Advent of Reconciliation – December 1, 2013

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.

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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?

The Advent of Reconciliation

With the return of Advent, I have picked up a devotional I used to use. "A Guide to Prayer" was given to me by a mentor many years ago. I used it for 3 years in a row. Then, I moved on to other things. It follows the church calender beginning with Advent, the celebration of the incarnation of Christ in the run up to Christmas. I picked up my well worn copy again this week and it was like catching up with an old friend. I have already been challenged and encouraged.

One of the readings for last week was in the first chapter of Colossians. I was struck again by the power and 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 experience separation where you would desire connection, distance where you want closeness? 

I have. I have known what it is to be physically close but a million miles away in the heart. 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 our relationship with the Divine Community. 

So, they decided to achieve a reconciliation where none seemed possible. The Son became one of us, a human being, while simultaneously also being part of the Divine Godhead. He brought the two unreconcilable 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 lives in us! We never have to live apart from Him again. 

May we continue to drawn near and experience all that Advent means this Christmas, and every day.