A Hidden Coming

Opening

Let's begin with a moment of silence, reminding ourselves that God's loving presence can be found wherever we happen to be.

Quote

“There is a birth from God before the ages, and a birth from a virgin at the fullness of time. There is a hidden coming, like that of rain on fleece, and a coming before all eyes, still in the future.” -St. Cyril of Jerusalem

Reflection

This time of year, our culture is bathed in the warm glow of holiday lights. Even the most hardened skeptic’s resolve is tested by a steady stream of nostalgic films, music, meals, and customs, and at the center of this sentimentality lies a baby in a manger. At the mention of this babe, it is difficult to think of anything other than the traditional nativity scene with Mary, Joseph, Wise Men, and a smattering of barnyard animals all reverently paying tribute to the newborn king. Timeless as this picture may be, it is an incomplete and one-sided understanding of the nature and purpose of Christ’s birth.

In Advent, we see God's humility and power on display. In Christ, we encounter God entering our world’s chaos and brokenness and taking it upon himself to heal, redeem, and restore. Yet simultaneously, it is a birth that shakes the earth to its very core. The same power that tears the veil in two, splits rocks, and opens tombs is contained in the frailty and vulnerability of an infant child (Matt 27:51-53).

Jesus’ birth definitively answers the prayer of Isaiah 64:1: “Oh that you would rend the heavens and come down, that the mountains might quake at your presence.” Advent literally means “coming” or “approach,” and as the people of God, we are invited every year to enter attentively into a season of holy anticipation. As we do, let us never lose sight of the true nature of the king who came and will come again.

Prayer

Almighty God, give us grace to cast away the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light, now in the time of this mortal life in which your Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. (Book of Common Prayer, 1979)

Reflective Practice

In a season filled with busyness and distraction, this week, you are invited to focus on the practice of prayer. To begin, reflect today on where you pray.

Do you have a dedicated place of prayer in your home?

Creating a reverent space for God in our homes reflects our desire to cultivate a heart of worship and devotion. Matching our homes to our hearts in this way helps orient our lives toward Christ this Advent season.

Closing

If you want to dive deeper and haven't yet done so, explore the Scripture passages for today's devotional. Remember that God's written word is often the place where his love shines most directly into our hearts and minds.

Go in peace, and let the word of Christ dwell in you richly.

Endnotes
Scripture passages in this devotional are selected from Revised Common Lectionary Daily Readings for Year A, copyright © 2005. Consultation on Common Texts, Augsburg Fortress Publishers. Reproduced by permission.

Scripture quotations in this devotional are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Prayers in this devotional are taken from The Book of Common Prayer (1979).