JRMITCH85 advent, Character, Decisions, Faith, Hope, Ramblings

An Unexpected Blessing

Advent is deeply intertwined with the concept of the unexpected, a time when many believe miracles are most likely to occur. This sense of wonder manifests in increased acts of charity and renewed hope for those in need. Popular culture, like Hallmark Christmas movies, capitalizes on this with countless tales of miraculous interventions that save the day. However, true miracles often appear in unexpected forms. Consider in-vitro fertilization, once deemed impossible, now a scientific reality. Similarly, the virgin birth, though belonging to the realm of faith, represents a divine miracle that transcends natural laws. God’s blessings, often beyond human comprehension, unfold in ways we cannot anticipate. For example, the miracle of Christ’s birth was not an isolated event but the beginning of God’s plan of salvation for all humanity.

26 In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin’s name was Mary. 28 And he came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” 29 But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. 30 And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 32 He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” 

34 And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” 

35 And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God. 36 And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. 37 For nothing will be impossible with God.” 38 And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.

Luke 1:26–38 (ESV)

Divine blessings often arrive unexpectedly, disrupting our lives and challenging our understanding of God’s plan.  Mary, a virgin betrothed to Joseph, exemplifies this.  Her virginity, repeatedly emphasized, underscores the miraculous nature of Jesus’s conception.  Designated as “highly favored,” Mary is chosen for a unique role in God’s plan, not through her merit but divine grace.  The angel Gabriel explains that her conception will occur through the Holy Spirit, a divine act symbolized by the “overshadowing” of the Most High.  This metaphorical language evokes God’s creative power and presence, reminiscent of the Tabernacle.  Mary’s acceptance of this seemingly impossible situation demonstrates profound faith.  She trusts God’s power, even when it defies logic, reminding us that God is the God of the impossible.  Her example challenges us to embrace God’s purpose, even when it leads us through uncertainty and challenges our understanding.

The unexpected nature of God’s blessings highlights our unworthiness to receive them. God initiates the encounter, sending the angel Gabriel to Mary in Nazareth, firmly grounding this divine intervention in a specific time and place.  This emphasizes that salvation is not a human achievement but rather the fulfillment of God’s plan.  The angel’s announcement highlights the dual nature of Jesus, fully human through his mother, Mary, and fully divine as the Son of God.  This encounter heralds the fulfillment of God’s promises and the dawn of a new era.  Mary, described as “highly favored,” is chosen as the recipient of God’s freely given grace.  This echoes the Old Testament concept of “finding grace,” where a superior bestows favor on someone undeserving.  Ultimately, Mary’s story reminds us that salvation is a gift, not something we can earn.

Encountering God and receiving His blessings demands that we are willing to participate in the Almighty’s plan for the world. Mary exemplifies embracing God’s plan, even when it seems improbable or defies our understanding.  Faith requires openness to the impossible and a readiness to surrender to God’s will, as Mary did.  Her response was not passive; she actively chose to participate in God’s plan.  This reminds us that divine encounters often come with unique responsibilities.  Like Mary, we are called to be ready to respond and participate in God’s will.  Every divine encounter requires humility, faith, and obedience, acknowledging God’s power and submitting to His purpose.  Ultimately, when we experience God’s presence, we are invited to respond with openness and a willingness to play our part in His unfolding plan.

The angel’s announcement declares that Jesus will be the “Son of the Most High,” inheriting David’s throne and ruling forever.  This establishes Jesus’s divine nature and unparalleled authority, greatly expanding our understanding of God’s kingdom and purpose.  Furthermore, the revelation connects the Holy Spirit’s creative work with Jesus’s identity as the Son of God, linking creation to God’s eternal plan. Jesus’ birth reinforces the concept of grace, where God bestows unmerited favor and assigns us unique roles in the Divine purpose. Mary’s response serves as a powerful model of humility and obedience.  She understood that God’s favor often comes with significant challenges and potential suffering.  Despite the personal cost, Mary willingly accepted God’s plan, exemplifying how we should embrace divine blessings and callings, even when they disrupt our lives or lead us down difficult paths.  Her unwavering faith inspires us to trust in God’s wisdom and surrender to His will, even when faced with adversity or uncertainty.

JRMITCH85 advent, Character, Faith, Hope

A Time For Peace

Throughout history, even in times perceived to be relatively peaceful, people and places often experience unease and fear. Where we stand in our world today is one of those moments. While armed conflicts exist in various parts of the world, our current era stands out for its relative peace. However, constant media bombardment often portrays a different reality. With every news report highlighting extreme statements and exaggerated rhetoric about opposing viewpoints, it seems that divisions within our nation grow wider. This behavior perpetuates division rather than offering comfort and security to the most vulnerable among us, who are in dire need of relief and safety. In contrast, one of the central themes of Advent is the role of God’s servants in bringing peace to the world. By following Christ’s example, his followers echo the Messiah’s mission of resolving conflicts and promoting peace through righteous actions, not through force. As we prepare for the already but not yet coming of Christ, we are reminded of Isaiah’s prophecy and declare that now is a time for peace.

11 There shall come forth a shoot from the stump of Jesse,

    and a branch from his roots shall bear fruit.

2 And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him,

    the Spirit of wisdom and understanding,

    the Spirit of counsel and might,

    the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the Lord.

3 And his delight shall be in the fear of the Lord.

He shall not judge by what his eyes see,

    or decide disputes by what his ears hear,

4 but with righteousness he shall judge the poor,

    and decide with equity for the meek of the earth;

and he shall strike the earth with the rod of his mouth,

    and with the breath of his lips he shall kill the wicked.

5 Righteousness shall be the belt of his waist,

    and faithfulness the belt of his loins.

6 The wolf shall dwell with the lamb,

    and the leopard shall lie down with the young goat,

and the calf and the lion and the fattened calf together;

    and a little child shall lead them.

7 The cow and the bear shall graze;

    their young shall lie down together;

    and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.

8 The nursing child shall play over the hole of the cobra,

    and the weaned child shall put his hand on the adder’s den.

9 They shall not hurt or destroy

    in all my holy mountain;

for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord

    as the waters cover the sea.

10 In that day the root of Jesse, who shall stand as a signal for the peoples—of him shall the nations inquire, and his resting place shall be glorious.

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Isaiah 11:1-11.

During Advent, we eagerly await the arrival of Christ, the prophesied Messiah from Isaiah, who promises justice and genuine peace for humanity. He will rule with integrity and righteousness, fostering peace through just leadership. His path to achieving justice and peace will be guided not by flowery language or deceit, but by an unwavering commitment to righteousness in thought and action. Our own actions must exemplify the truth of the Gospel, and we must lead lives characterized by righteousness. As we celebrate Advent, we strive to bring about God’s peace by actively seeking justice for all, anticipating the coming of Christ, who will ultimately establish true justice and peace in our world.

The Messiah’s promise of PEACE extends beyond humanity. It envisions a restoration of harmony and communion within all of creation. Through his artistic talent, Isaiah paints a picture of a transformed world where former natural adversaries coexist peacefully. The once-ferocious predator and the vulnerable prey interact harmoniously, symbolizing the all-encompassing peace ushered in by the Messiah’s arrival. This imagery serves as a reminder that Christ’s coming ultimately leads to the reconciliation of all creation. In this transformed world, the powerful will no longer prey upon the vulnerable, but rather they will thrive together. The call to prepare for the Messiah’s coming involves caring for one another, particularly the vulnerable and poor among us, and advocating for justice in all aspects of life. This call to justice stems from the understanding that justice leads to PEACE. Our hearts must be moved toward justice to realize the PEACE promised by the Messiah.

PEACE embodies God’s very nature, and the advent of the Messiah deepens our understanding of His boundless GRACE. Ushering in a world “full of the knowledge of the Lord,” the Messiah brings not only wisdom but also a profound knowledge rooted in relationship with God. This connection to the divine leads to comprehensive peace, encompassing understanding, harmony, and obedience to God’s will. Through sacrificial love, Christ reconciles us, emphasizing that God’s truth and knowledge are inextricably intertwined with self-sacrificing love, culminating at the cross. This transformative knowledge, imbued with grace-filled relationship, invites us during Advent to open our hearts and contribute to the peace it brings. By sharing God’s love with our community, we illuminate His character and ultimately experience PEACE through grace.

In a time of great chaos, the prophet Isaiah reminds us that peace is possible. However, to fully experience God’s intentions for creation, we must embrace sacrificial love for our community, even those who may not deserve it. Christ’s sacrifice on the cross unifies us with God, transforming an act of violence meant to divide and scatter into a paramount act of grace that reunites creation with its Creator. During Advent, we are tasked with bringing God’s peace to our communities by sharing the Gospel and the knowledge of God’s truth. This is not a passive endeavor but requires a transformation of our lives. We must pursue justice and empower the weak and powerless, demonstrating the actions of Christ in the world. By doing so, we create a genuine space and time for peace. In essence, the path to peace lies in embracing sacrificial love, living out the message of peace through our actions, and empowering the marginalized to experience the transformative power of Christ’s sacrifice. Through this collective effort, we can create a world that reflects the peace that God desires for all creation.

JRMITCH85 advent, Character, Decisions, Faith, Hope, Uncategorized

The End Is Near?

The key prop of the stereotypical street preacher is a sign that reads, “REPENT! THE END IS NEAR!” While this type of thinking sits in the back of our minds, as we, as sinful people, need repentance, however, do we know how we feel about the second part of that sign? These thoughts cause each of us to confront our eschatological thoughts and the reality in front of us. Far too many within Christian circles look around at “clues” around us pointing to the imminent return of Christ. This, however, is not a new phenomenon, as since the time of Christ, people have been looking for a sign. We need to heed the words of Jesus that we don’t know, and a generation should not need a sign to do what is right. Paul writes to the church in Corinth; while he does state that time is short, he instructs the church that there is no time to place our faith in structures but only on the power of Christ in them.

29 This is what I mean, brothers: the appointed time has grown very short. From now on, let those who have wives live as though they had none, 30 and those who mourn as though they were not mourning, and those who rejoice as though they were not rejoicing, and those who buy as though they had no goods, 31 and those who deal with the world as though they had no dealings with it. For the present form of this world is passing away.

1 Corinthians 7:29-31 (ESV)

Paul instructs us to hold the perspective of the world’s impermanence, and we as individuals should live as if everything around us is passing away. The insignificance of worldly pursuits is highlighted, prompting a shift in focus away from our worldly pursuits and claims and towards the eternal and the spiritual. In contrast to the tumultuous events in the external world, the scriptures provide solace, reminding believers that such external occurrences are temporary and not as significant as they may seem.

Living a life centered on God and nurturing a deep relationship with Him is emphasized by Paul as the cornerstone of a meaningful existence. Too many things with our world demand that we give them attention and will fool us into believing they are worthy of our time, money, and attention. In a world filled with transient experiences and fleeting moments, the enduring connection with God stands out as the most crucial aspect of our journey. The guidance for such a life is sought through the scriptures, where the teachings reveal profound insights into the nature of our relationship with God. Probing the Word becomes a source of wisdom and a roadmap for navigating the complexities of life.

Within the nature of a life devoted to God and studying the mysteries through the Word and prayer, we find ourselves changing the priorities within our lives, and we change what our minds’ focus. However, even when we don’t consume ourselves with the things of the temporary world, it does not give the Christ follower a license to ignore the plight of the people of this world. Rather, as a Christian, we must understand that through the scriptures the instruction is to find the worries and hurts of the world and work to help the world to be reconciled to God, and bring healing to the world.

This pursuit must extend to all our relationships, cautioning against relying solely on earthly connections. Instead of putting faith in human institutions or leaders, our emphasis must prioritize God as the head of the church and recognizing His ever-evolving work in the world. The warning against misinterpreting biblical passages without acknowledging God’s centrality reinforces the idea that genuine faith is anchored in a direct relationship with God. Ultimately, the call is to bring peace and hope to a world filled with chaos, choosing God’s love as the guiding force in our lives and turning to Him in times of despair rather than surrendering to hopelessness.

JRMITCH85 advent, Faith

A Fulfilling Love

Embracing God’s love as the foundation for our relationships and mission is like anchoring our lives in an unshakable truth. The divine source empowers us to extend love to others, mirroring the boundless love God has shown us. In the intricate tapestry of faith, Mary’s acceptance of God’s plan becomes a profound example of surrendering to divine will, illustrating that we can align our lives with God’s purpose through faith and trust.

The angelic message to Mary echoes through time, resonating with the overarching theme of divine intervention and the miraculous unfolding of God’s plan. It symbolizes the transformative power of the Holy Spirit in bringing forth something extraordinary from the ordinary, highlighting that God’s love is not bound by the limitations of the natural world. Mary’s acceptance becomes a beacon, urging us to embrace the unexpected with faith and humility.

26 In the sixth month, the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, 27 to a virgin betrothed to a man named Joseph, of the house of David. And the virgin’s name was Mary. 28 He came to her and said, “Greetings, O favored one, the Lord is with you!” 29 But she was greatly troubled at the saying and tried to discern what sort of greeting this might be. 30 And the angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. 32 He will be great and called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give to him the throne of his father David, 33 and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” 34 And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?” 35 And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God. 36 And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. 37 For nothing will be impossible with God.” 38 And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her. 

Luke 1:26-38 (ESV)

God’s call to manifest His love in the world is a grand invitation to participate in the redemption of humanity. The promise to mend the brokenness caused by sin underscores the magnitude of God’s love, which goes beyond forgiveness to restoring our relationship with Him. This divine mission is a testament to love’s profound impact on healing and reconciling a fractured world.

In our human journey, self-doubt often becomes a stumbling block, hindering us from fully realizing our purpose. Yet, the call to carry out God’s love is a powerful antidote to such doubts. It encourages us to transcend our insecurities, trusting that God’s love working through us is greater than any perceived inadequacy. This empowerment enables us to step boldly into our calling, knowing that God equips those He calls.

The timeless directive to love one another, even those with whom we may not see eye to eye, is a clarion call to transcend differences. This commandment invites us to extend God’s love unconditionally, recognizing that His love weaves us together in the tapestry of diversity. It’s a reminder that our ability to love is not contingent on our feelings but rooted in our response to God’s love.

The reassurance that all things are possible with God is an anchor when facing challenges in the journey of love. It prompts us to turn to God for guidance, acknowledging His love is a constant source of strength and wisdom. Living out His teachings becomes a tangible expression of this love, turning the abstract concept of divine love into a lived reality in our daily interactions.

The narrative of Joseph and Mary, intertwined with the proclamation of Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem, becomes a poignant symbol of God’s faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises. Seeking God’s love and honoring His promises in our lives becomes a testament to the enduring nature of divine love, echoing through the ages as a source of hope and inspiration. The shepherds’ proclamation signifies the joyous announcement of God’s love breaking into the world, inviting us to share in celebrating this transformative love story.

In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 And all went to be registered, each to his own town. 4 And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, 5 to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. 6 And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. The Shepherds and the Angels 8 And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. 10 And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11 For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. 12 And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” 13 And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, 14  “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” 15 When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger. 17 And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. 18 And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart. 20 And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. 21 And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb. 

Luke 2:1-21 (ESV)
JRMITCH85 advent, Hope

Waiting, Hoping, and Wishing

The Advent season begins with great intentions, plans, and new music playing everywhere. Excitement grows as lights and inflatables begin popping up, creating an atmosphere designed to get us in the mood to celebrate. As a child, I recall the anticipation of waiting to see what was under the tree. As I grew older, that anticipation turned to an eager expectation to see the giant smiles of my children opening their gifts and a wish that they would be able to share that with loved ones and children of their own someday. All of this sets the tone that Advent sets for us to connect to the waiting for the coming of Jesus who established Hope for the world through coming to free us from the bondage of sin. My wish for the church is that we don’t fall asleep waiting but remain awake and active in sharing the Gospel, and bring God’s Hope to our communities.

The Gospel Writer Mark invites us to look at Jesus’ words about the Hope we have during Advent and how we are called to “Stay Awake.”

24 “But in those days, after that tribulation, the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, 25 and the stars will be falling from heaven, and the powers in the heavens will be shaken. 26 And then they will see the Son of Man coming in clouds with great power and glory. 27 And then he will send out the angels and gather his elect from the four winds, from the ends of the earth to the ends of heaven. 28 “From the fig tree learn its lesson: as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts out its leaves, you know that summer is near. 29 So also, when you see these things taking place, you know that he is near, at the very gates. 30 Truly, I say to you, this generation will not pass away until all these things take place. 31 Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away. 32 “But concerning that day or that hour, no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. 33 Be on guard, keep awake. For you do not know when the time will come. 34 It is like a man going on a journey, when he leaves home and puts his servants in charge, each with his work, and commands the doorkeeper to stay awake. 35 Therefore stay awake—for you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or when the rooster crows, or in the morning— 36 lest he come suddenly and find you asleep. 37 And what I say to you I say to all: Stay awake.” 

The Holy Bible: English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016), Mk 13:24–37.

Advent celebrates the coming of Christ. As discussed by Jesus, we may see signs, but we do not know the day or the hour. Therefore, there is a lot of waiting that is required. However, waiting is not just a passive activity; remaining vigilant and attentive is stressed, which aligns with a fundamental call of Advent, urging us to be receptive and prepared to discern. Just like a partner wanting to get a “list” from their spouse or friend, you can passively wait or discern and actively engage in selecting a gift that will have significant meaning to them. Similarly, we can look at our communities and ask them what they want from their local church, or we can truly give them HOPE by looking at where there is a need and share the HOPE actively with our neighbors. Thus, waiting for Jesus to come becomes a dynamic and meaningful endeavor, interwoven with the active pursuit of God’s mission and the dissemination of hope to enrich the lives of those we encounter on our journey.

The HOPE offered by the church mustn’t look like the hope offered by the various systems of the world. The unparalleled nature of our hope in Christ Jesus underscores the inadequacy of relying on hope in others. A distinctive and unwavering hope sets Christ apart as human connections and self-reliance may falter. People are fallible, and trust in them can be misplaced, but our hope in Jesus remains steadfast and unshakable. God’s hope transcends the worldly understanding of hope, making it imperative to center our focus on fulfilling God’s calling. This involves carrying out the divine purpose designated for us and actively sharing with those around us the extraordinary hope that emanates from our faith in Christ. In recognizing the unique and enduring nature of God’s hope, our commitment to embodying His calling becomes vital to both personal fulfillment and the uplifting of others.

Each Advent has a magical aspect where we wait in hope and share our wish for God to come right now. Through God’s power, we can carry out God’s sanctifying mission in our community. The anticipation of Christ’s return instills in us the imperative to distinguish between our personal wishes and the profound hope anchored in our faith, urging us to engage in God’s work while waiting actively. Despite harboring long wish lists, particularly as devoted followers of God, we may not see all our desires materialize, be it a bustling church community or flourishing ministries. It is during this season of hope that we are prompted to express our wishes, yet we are reminded by the scriptures to discern between these wishes and the enduring hope vested in Christ’s imminent return. Our ultimate hope rests in anticipating Christ’s coming, prompting us, as we await, to actively participate in God’s work and disseminate His hope. Through prayer and the reassurance that Christ will return, we find solace and purpose in contributing to God’s mission, recognizing that our true hope lies in the promise of His return.

While parents and bosses, being human, are susceptible to shortcomings and may occasionally let us down, the reassuring truth lies in the unwavering nature of Jesus’ presence, which transcends the limitations of earthly relationships. By their very nature, human beings are fallible and subject to imperfections, and disappointments may inevitably arise in various facets of life, including familial and professional spheres. However, in stark contrast, the divine essence of Jesus encompasses the extraordinary and the unimaginable. His presence is not bound by the constraints of human frailty, and His reliability remains constant even when others may falter. This profound reality serves as a source of comfort and resilience, reminding us that amidst the inherent limitations of human connections, Jesus dwells in the realm of the extraordinary and the miraculous, offering a steadfast source of support and solace that extends beyond the shortcomings of earthly relationships.