Links for today’s readings:
Dec 11 Read: 2 Chronicles 11-12 Listen: (6:00) Read: Psalms 119.25-48 Listen: (15:14)
Scripture Focus: Psalm 119: 41-42
41 May your unfailing love come to me, Lord,
your salvation, according to your promise;
42 then I can answer anyone who taunts me,
for I trust in your word.
Reflection: The Absurdity of Peace – Peace of Advent
By Erin Newton
Every nativity scene portrays Jesus in his most vulnerable state. This baby is the Prince of Peace? The Almighty God? It sounds absurd.
But Advent is absurd. It is unthinkable that a God of infinite power would limit himself by taking on flesh or that a baby would rule nations. But the absurdity is measured by our human (limited) expectations.
It is the unimaginable aspect of Advent that draws us in each year. It is the unexpected works of God that we celebrate and we hope for. Advent reminds us that our hope does not align with what the world offers.
Though we know little from the text about Mary’s experience during pregnancy, we know that Joseph feared the community would shame her. Taunting was a real threat. Their journey could not have been without sideways glances or hushed whispers when she walked by. Joseph likely feared the taunts when people learned the truth. But she resolutely followed through with what God had called her to do—because she trusted in his word.
Most of us will not receive a level of taunting that causes anything more than hurt feelings, bruised egos, strained relationships, and perhaps a little embarrassment. But when we live fully trusting in God’s word, we might be questioned about our decisions or our demeanor. It is far more likely for a friend to ask a piercing “Why?” when we are following Christ.
Can we call these questions “taunts”? Probably not. We are not like Elijah on Mount Carmel battling the false prophets of Baal. But the motive behind the question hinges on the perspective that God being incarnated into a tiny baby is an absurd idea. Who is this God? Is he really all that powerful? Prove it.
The Prince of Peace’s first advent was in frailty and meekness and in a body completely dependent on two trusting parents. Mary and Joseph trusted in the words spoken to them. They faced potential ridicule because they trusted in God more than the world’s expectation.
As we look at the peace that came with Advent, we see the absurdity of it all. The Virgin pregnant. The Infinite in flesh. The Almighty swaddled.
The absurdity of the peace of Advent gives us confidence that we can face the world’s questions or criticisms. Our peace defies reality. Peace from God sometimes looks ridiculous. The peace born from Advent is unlike any other. Praise God.
Divine Hours Prayer: The Greeting
Seven times a day do I praise you, because of your righteous judgments. — Psalm 119.164
– From The Divine Hours: Prayers for Autumn and Wintertime by Phyllis Tickle.
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Read more: Peace from Strife — Peace of Advent
There is the expectation…The Redeemer will come with swords and fire and plagues! But you turn the page and find a baby…