Love’s Divine Adventure

This is the season of Advent – of the coming of Christ – celebrated in many Christian denominations around the world.  The ritual, the pageantry, all richly portend Jesus’ birth and point to the salvation that event made plain.  But even though this time of year is especially set aside to reverently consider the dawning of the Christ, it is even more important to reflect on what that arrival means for you and me.

Jesus’ birth has been recorded as occurring at a particular time in history.  But he said of the Christ which he expressed, “Before Abraham was, I am.” 1  His eternal nature, therefore, can’t be measured as starting at some point in time, but instead, as here for all time, past, present, and future.

Jesus brought to light that universality in his healing ministry and he repeatedly indicated that he expected us to follow him and do his works.  He said, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” 2 “Heal the sick, cleanse the lepers, raise the dead, cast out devils: freely ye have received, freely give.” 3  “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy strength, and with all thy mind; and thy neighbour as thyself.”  4  And finally, he instructed, “If ye love me, keep my commandments.”5

Ultimately, Jesus prepared us, both through his words and his example, to ensure that the Christ-spirit is ever-present, even here today.  He said “He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father.”  6

Doesn’t it seem then, that the best way to truly celebrate Advent, is to do as he did?  To follow his directives?  To forgive, to bless, to heal?

Let us turn this holy season into a divine advent-ure of loving him so much, that we can’t help but follow his commandments.  Let us go into all the world and have our lives be his gospel preached.  Let us love one another.

Merry Christmas to you all.

1  John 8:58

2 Mark 16:15

3  Matt. 10:8

4  Luke 10:27

5  John 14:15

6  John 14:12

Melissa Hayden is a Christian Science practitioner in Salem, OR. You can find more information and additional articles at this link.  If you like what you’re reading, click the “add me” button.