Advent Prayer Challenge Day 23 - December 19
Notice
Read Luke 1:5-25
Light four candles and say together
O Radix Jesse: O Flower of Jesse's stem,
you have been raised up as a sign for all peoples;
kings stand silent in your presence;
the nations bow down in worship before you.
Come, let nothing keep you from coming to our aid.
Reflection
How would you react if an angel showed up in your midst?
We put angels atop our Christmas trees or in our nativity scenes, and those angels are beautiful winged creatures with flowing gowns, glowing halos and white, soft wings. They are completely non-threatening, seeming only to add peace, hope, and beauty to the Christmas scene.
But I’m not quite sure an actual angel visit would be so serene. Angels always seem to be announcing their arrival with directives to fear not. Why would this need to be said if angels didn't evoke fear everywhere they went? It would be quite unusual for a fellow human to show up and say “fear not,” but angels seem to need to say it.
Perhaps it is the mere shock of the situation that causes fear when angels show up. I would absolutely be nervous if I was in a closed room expecting to be alone when suddenly another being appeared. However, for Zechariah at least, this should not have been the case.
Zechariah was born into a lineage of priests. There was likely no lack of priestly presence at the temple as entire clans of families inherited this role. But only rarely would a priest have a chance to enter into the inner sanctuary of the temple, where they could hope to encounter God’s presence. This specific duty given to Zechariah that day was a privilege that may have only happened once in a priest’s lifetime.
This sanctuary where the tabernacle was kept was the established place God had ordained to meet with His people, beginning with Moses after the Israelites had escaped Egypt. But, perhaps it may be suggested that the priests had grown accustomed to entering this inner sanctuary without expecting to hear from God. So when an angel appeared to Zechariah, not only was he shocked, He couldn’t even believe this messenger from God.
Despite being the very person who was supposed to be the most attuned to God that day, Zechariah was more conscious about his daily realities. A messenger of God was in front of him to tell him that he and Elizabeth would have a son through a miraculous birth? Sure, but let’s talk about the problems in this plan, Gabriel: we’re too old.
Christmas is in less than one week. There is one week until we celebrate this incredibly miraculous moment of connection when God walked among us, yet I think many of us are more conscious about the problems in our daily realities than being attuned to God right now. At least, this is true for me. Is it true for you, too?
Yes, God, I know you came to earth as a baby to save us from our sins and give us a path to eternal life, but what about all these presents I have to wrap? Can’t you see I’m busy and I’m tired?
This is your notice to notice. Right at this very minute, you are standing in a place, a world, where God entered and where God has been known to demonstrate His presence. How are you going to respond?
Reflect and Discuss
- Are you making time to experience God’s presence this week?
- What in your life feels too big for even God’s miracles to break through?
- How can you make some time this week to look for God’s presence with you?
Pray
Do not be far away from me, my God. Come quickly. In these days leading up to Christmas, help us to stand still noticing you. Help us notice you.
Amen
Advent in Action
Watch a Christmas movie.
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Advent Prayer Challenge Day 22 - December 18
Love Came Down Read Matthew 1:18-24 Light four candles and say together O Adonai - O sacred Lord of ancient Israel, who showed yourself to Moses in the burning bush, who gave him the...