Advent reminds me of snow in that Jesus' coming ends up making our crimson red sins as white as snow. Believing and receiving this gift gives us far more than we bargain for. We may think we're getting "heaven" for someday, but we end up getting a new life beginning now. And it's a life in which there is a washing of new birth after which there are regular cleansings. Sin continues to be a factor for us in this present existence in Jesus. It is something we have to be aware of and sensitive to, if we're to really begin to understand and appreciate God's grace to us, in Jesus.
As the angel told Joseph,
It is important for us to remember that in Jesus' very name is a crucial part of the reason why he was born on that wonderful night. It's a reason that's important in our lives and together, in this world, everyday of our lives. It gives us hope, not only for beyond, but in this life. For this we give him thanks![Mary] will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.
Matthew 1:21
6 comments:
This is my first year in love with Advent. Thank you for your thoughts.
My boys would like to see some thick snow to play in but we do not get much here, throw us a snowball Ted!
I love the snow, which we have a ton of here in Minnesota. The mission of GOD is amazing also.
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Joe,
Yes, I think it helps the way the worshiping community seeks to celebrate Advent. I think getting a little towards the prayer calendar and liturgy helps me. Probably in my case just getting older and wanting to light a candle more and curse the darkenss less!
Martin,
Wish I could. In fact, especially for my wife I think I wouldn't mind trading weather with you altogether. My wife is not a fan of cold weather, though she keeps warm enough by bundling up (in our house, too). Snow with boys is alot of fun, though you might get some nasty hits in the process, as I'm sure you know!
Mike,
Yes, Minnesota puts us to shame as far as the amount of snow and cold they get. You're from UK, right? Big difference too.
The mission of God does link with the forgiveness of sins: Mission proclaims forgiveness and forgiveness received puts recipients on mission (as I recently read somewhere; probably on "Jesus Creed").
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