Day 22 Advent, 12/25/23: God became a Man (John 1:14)

Merry X'mas. This is the last day of Advent reflection   

I've often thought of God becoming a man to live among them to save them, to a man becoming a cockroach to live among cockroaches to save cockroaches. This analogy is not only gross and crude, but inconceivable. Surely you can come up with a poignant analogy that expresses the mystery and majesty of the incarnation.

Yesterday, Jim Cook shared in his sermon the Message translation of John 1:14: "The Word became flesh, and moved into the neighborhood..." which reminded Christy Toh of Mr. Rogers. Jesus is truly the intimate friend of all sinners without discrimination, or favoritism, or racism, or gender bias.

Lord, help me to always remember the great cost of the Incarnation and the ultimate cost of the Cross. Help me to live out the truth that Jesus is the Incarnate God who is with me in order to save me.

Mon, Dec 25, 2023 Solemnity of the Nativity of the Lord (Christmas) John 1:1–18 Friends, our Gospel for Christmas day is the prologue to the Gospel of John. In many ways, it is the entire Gospel, indeed the entire Bible, in miniature. Let's turn to the central passage: "And the Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us." The word used in Greek here for "made his dwelling" is eskenosen, which means literally, "pitched his tent among us." Don't read that in a folksy way. It is meant to call to mind the tabernacle of the temple. The Word becoming flesh is God coming to dwell definitively in his world, undoing the effects of sin and turning it into what it was always meant to be. Notice, too, what we see in the wake of this tabernacling: "And we saw his glory, the glory as of the Father's only Son, full of grace and truth." So John is telling us that Jesus is the new Eden, the new Temple, the restored creation, the realization of God's intention for the world. And our purpose is not simply to gaze on this fact with wonder but rather to enter into its power: "From his fullness we have all received, grace in place of grace." .

Day 21 Advent, 12/24/23 🔴: Jesus' Kingdom will Never End

"…his kingdom will never end" (Luke 1:33).

Merry Xmas eve. In this world kingdoms rise and wane. Once a kingdom has been defeated, it never arises again. The kingdom of David was conquered by Babylon and exiled over 500 years ago in 587 B.C. But the angel promised Mary that the child she will bear "will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David" (Lk 1:32). Though this was inconceivable, God would fulfill his ancient promise made to David (2 Sam 7:16) around 1,000 B.C. as John Peace shared today during the lectionary reading.

Lord, thank you for faithfully keeping your promise despite our unfaithfulness to you. Thank you for sending your Son through whom your kingdom will never end. Help me to live with this glorious hope in my heart in the years to come.

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Day 20 Advent, 12/23/23: Christ came to set his people free (Luke 1:68)

2 more days to Christmas! Merry day before Christmas eve.

The Lord's hand was upon Zechariah and upon his son John the Baptist (Lk 1:66) and he sang a song of Christ coming to set his people free (Lk 1:68).

Bishop Barron asks, "How are you enslaved to sin? What do you have to do to become free?

Struggling through this most eventful and painful year, I go in and out of the 7 deadly sins: lust, sloth, gluttony (oh dear, Xmas!), wrath, envy, greed and pride. Impatience and hypocrisy fits in somewhere as well. David says, "I know my transgressions and my sin is always before me" (Ps 51:3). I can elaborate on each of the 7 or 9 sins. Only because Jesus took the punishment and penalty of my sins upon himself on the Cross, am I able to know God's deliverance and redemption by faith. What helps me is to always remember Scripture. Yesterday I remembered Luke 9:23, which is what Jesus says a disciple needs to do.

Lord, thank you for your mercy and grace to me to deliver me and your people from the power of sin and death. Help me to daily deny myself and take up my cross and follow you.

Saturday, December 23, 2023 Third Week of Advent Luke 1:57–66 Friends, today's Gospel tells the story of the birth and naming of John the Baptist. John's father Zechariah had been rendered speechless after his vision in the sanctuary, but we hear that "his mouth was opened, his tongue freed, and he spoke blessing God." What follows this passage is the wonderful Canticle of Zechariah, which puts Jesus and John in the context of the great story of Israel. I would like to explore two lines of that great prayer today. The God of Israel, Zechariah prays, "has come to his people and set them free." This is what God always wants to do. He hates the fact that we've become enslaved by sin and fear, and accordingly, he wants to liberate us. The central event of the Old Testament is an event of liberation from slavery. We are, as sinners, enslaved to our pride, our envy, our anger, our appetites, our greed, our lust—all of which wrap us up and keep us from being the people that we want to be. Zechariah continues: "He has raised up for us a mighty Savior, born of the house of his servant David." God will effect this liberation through the instrumentation of a mighty Savior. This should be read against the background of Israel's long history of military struggle against its enemies. A great warrior has come, and he is from the house of Israel's greatest soldier, David. God had promised that he would put a descendant of David on the throne of Israel for all eternity, and Zechariah is prophesying that this will take place.

Day 19 Advent, 12/22/23: Mary Gave Herself Entirely to God (Luke 1:46-47)

Christmas in 4 days! Only 4 more days of Advent reflection. "My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior" (Luke 1:46-47). Mary knows what God has done. God lays low those who exalt themselves (Lk 1:51-52a). God shows grace to the humble, the weak, the helpless and the vulnerable (Lk 1:52-53). Mary wholeheartedly gives the entirety of her being to God (Lk 1:46-47), because of her gratitude for God's mercy and grace to her (Lk 1:48-49), while her ego desires nothing for itself. Her exuberant praise is due to what God has done as she also anticipates what God will do for her, for her people Israel (Lk 1:54-55), and for all generations (Lk 1:50). Lord, help me to deeply reflect and realize God's mercy upon my life, so that somehow it may give all honor and glory to you. Friday, December 22, 2023 Third Week of Advent Luke 1:46–56 Friends, in today's Gospel, we hear the Magnificat—Mary's great hymn of praise to Yahweh. The hymn commences with the simple declaration, "My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord." Mary announces here that her whole being is ordered to the glorification of God. Her ego wants nothing for itself; it wants only to be an occasion for giving honor to God. But since God needs nothing, whatever glory Mary gives to him returns to her benefit, so that she is magnified in the very act of magnifying him. In giving herself away fully to God, Mary becomes a superabundant source of life; indeed, she becomes pregnant with God. This odd and wonderful rhythm of magnifying and being magnified is the key to understanding everything about Mary, from her divine motherhood to her Immaculate Conception and Assumption to her mission in the life of the Church.

Day 18 Advent, 12/21/23: Can you feel the joy in this Gospel passage? (Luke 1:44)

I would not have connected this familiar Christmas passage of Mary visiting Elizabeth with David bringing the ark of the covenant back to Jerusalem (2 Sam 6:12). "...in the hill country of Judea" (Lk 1:39) was where Obed-Edom apparently lived between Kireath-Jearim and Jerusalem. This is in the Judean highlands when he housed the ark for 3 months (2 Sam 6:11; 1 Ch 13:13-14; 15:25), which is 9 miles from Jerusalem.

I also would not have connected John the Baptist leaping for joy in Elizabeth's womb (Lk 1:44) with David dancing before the ark of the covenant as it was brought to Jerusalem (2 Sam 6:14; 1 Ch 15:29).

I do find both connections plausible and reasonable and quite interesting.

Lord, regardless of my life circumstances, help me to always have David's joy and gratitude in his dancing in worship before the ark of the covenant.

Thursday, December 21, 2023 Third Week of Advent Luke 1:39–45 Friends, today's Gospel tells the marvelous story of the Visitation. At the Annunciation, the angel had told Mary that the child to be conceived in her would be the new David. With that magnificent prophecy still ringing in her ears, Mary set out to visit her cousin Elizabeth, who was married to Zechariah, a temple priest. No first-century Jew would have missed the significance of their residence being "in the hill country of Judah." That was precisely where David found the ark, the bearer of God's presence. To that same hill country now comes Mary, the definitive and final Ark of the Covenant. Elizabeth is the first to proclaim the fullness of the Gospel: "How does this happen to me, that the mother of my Lord should come to me?"—the Lord, which is to say, the God of Israel. Mary brings God into the world, thus making it, at least in principle, a temple. And then Elizabeth announces that at the sound of Mary's greeting, "the infant in my womb leaped for joy." This is the unborn John the Baptist doing his version of David's dance before the ark of the covenant, his great act of worship of the King.

Day 17 Advent (12/20/23): Fall in Love with God (Luke 1:38)

It is interesting to me that in this Advent season Luke 1:26-38 appears 4 times in 22 days. Today is the 3rd time, with the 4th time being on Christmas eve, which would be the 4th Sunday of Advent.

• The 1st time on 12/8/23 addressed the Solemnity of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary. Despite doctrinal differences, may Protestants and Catholics love each other in Christ.
• The 2nd time on 12/12/23 was the first time I read about our Lady of Guadalupe. God can surely choose to reveal Himself through visions and apparitions, though this has not been my own experience.
• Today, the 3rd time, focuses on Mary's submission and obedience. God's favor to her was to conceive the Son of God as a virgin (Lk 1:28-31) while betrothed to Joseph. This would cause endless shame, disgrace, misunderstanding, fear, worry, anxiety, uncertainty, and possible stoning as an adulterous woman. Yet she welcomed it as "the Lord's servant" (Lk 1:38) with overflowing joy and gratitude (Lk 1:46ff).

Bishop Barron asks, "Why is surrender such a critical part of falling in love with God?" 

Lord, though I love many things in the world, help me to always love you utmost in my heart with joy and gratitude. Thank you for helping me to surrender my life and future into your hands alone.

Wednesday, December 20, 2023 Third Week of Advent Luke 1:26–38 Friends, in today's Gospel, the angel Gabriel announces to Mary that she has been chosen to be the mother of God. In the face of this overwhelming word, Mary is confused: "How can this be, since I have no relations with a man?" And she cannot begin to imagine the full consequences of accepting this invitation: shame, exile, violent pursuit, the final agony on Calvary. And yet, despite her fear and despite the darkness, she says, "I am the handmaid of the Lord. May it be done to me according to your word." At the crucial moment, Mary of Nazareth allows herself to fall in love with God, and in that moment of ecstasy, the Son of God enters the world for its salvation. The human tragedy began with Adam and Eve's grasp; the divine comedy commences with Mary's letting-go. This is why the medieval commentators, with their delicious sense of the co-penetration of all parts of the Bible, observed that the "Ave" of the angel of the Annunciation reverses "Eva," the mother of all the living. .

One Thing I Ask is to See God's Beauty (Psalm 27:1-14)

"The Lord is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid?" (Ps 27:1) "One thing I ask from the Lord, this only do I seek: that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to gaze on the beauty of the Lord and to seek him in his temple" (Ps 27:4).

1. Confidence (Ps 27:1-3). Whom shall I fear (Ps 27:1)?
2. Desire (Ps 27:4-6). One thing I ask (Ps 27:4).
3. Plea (Ps 27:7-12). Hear my voice (Ps 27:7).
4. Confidence (Ps 27:13-14). Wait for the Lord (Ps 27:13).

God is one (Dt 6:4). I have one life. Regardless of what happens, do I have one desire? One passion? One direction? One motivation? One trajectory of life? One heart? One Lord? One faith? One wife? One family? One church? Rick Warren says, "The main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing." Paul says, "my only aim" (Ac 20:24) and "One thing I do" (Phil 3:13).

Day 16, Advent, 12/19/23: Take Away My Disgrace (Luke 1:25)

"The Lord has done this for me," she said. "In these days he has shown his favor and taken away my disgrace among the people" (Luke 1:25).

Luke 1:5-25 describes how Elizabeth, the childless wife of a priest, learns that she will give birth to a prophet named John the Baptist, thus taking away her disgrace as a barren woman which was considered to be a curse from God (cf. Gen 1:28). God's passion is to take away our disgrace (Lk 1:25) — the disgrace of our failure, our misfortune, our sin, and even of our circumstances. Elizabeth being childless was a circumstance beyond her control but still considered a disgrace by many people in her time and her culture.

What disgrace, disappointment, or disaster do you have that is holding upi back? Will you openly confess it and the feelings that it fosters within you, and ask God to take it away?

ENTRANCE (Psalm 24:1-10; 25:1-22)

Clean Hands and a Pure Heart: "The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it" (Ps 24:1). "Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place? The one who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not trust in an idol or swear by a false god" (Ps 24:3-4). [Psalms 3-32 Psalms of David. Psalms 24-28 A Lifestyle of Integrity.]

1. What do you learn about God in
1. Ps 24:1-2 (Gen 1:1; Ps 33:6)
2. Ps 24:3-6 (Lev 19:1-2; 11:44-45; 20:26; 1 Pet 1:15-16)
3. Ps 24:7-10 (Rev 19:6; 17:14; 1 Tim 6:15)
2. In light of who God is, how should we live? Who can enter God's presence?

In Psalm 24 there is no prayer; it is all declarative. Each of the 3 parts bring out a different consideration of God:

1. The Creator (1-2). The all-creating. God's creative authority. Approaching. Everything/everyone belongs to God (1 Cor 6:19-20).
2. The Holy God (3-6). The all-holy. Preparation to enter the Presence of God. Preparing. Holy in deed (outward actions) and thought (inward motives). Holy relationship with God (no idolatry) and neighbor (no deceit) (Ps 24:4; 1 Sam 16:7).
3. The Glorious King (7-10). The all-victorious. The King of Glory comes. Entering. The divine warrior.

1. John Stott. 1988. Psalm 24: Ascending the Hill of the Lord. 1. The whole earth (Ps 24:1-2). 2. The Lord's hill (Ps 24:3-6). 3. The city gates (Ps 24:7-10).
2. Tim Keller. 2015. The pursuit of God (1-6). True glory (7-10).
3. Gerald Wilson. 2002. Psalm 24: Who can Dwell in the House of God? 1. The Lord's creative authority (Ps 24:1-2). Preparations to Enter the Presence of God (Ps 24:3-6). The King of Glory comes (Ps 24:7-10).
4. John Goldingay. 2013. Psalm 24: Will God let you in? Will you let God in?
5. Derek Kidner. 1973. 1975. Psalm 24: King of Glory. 1. The All-Creating (Ps 24:1-2)? 2. The All-Holy (Ps 24:3-6). 3. The All-Victorious (Ps 24:7-10).
6. Alec Motyer. 2016. Psalm 24: Fling Wide the Gates. 1. Approaching (Ps 24:1-2). 2. Welcoming (Ps 24:3-6). 3. Entering (Ps 24:7-10).
7. Longman III & David E Garland. 2008. Psalm 24: The King of Glory is our God. Yahweh is a Great King over the Earth; Invitation to Integrity. A. The Great King (Ps 24:1-2). The Creator God. B. The Hill of the Lord (Ps 24:3-6). The Holy God. A'. The Divine Warrior (Ps 24:7-10). The Glorious King.

SELF-DISCLOSURE (Psalm 19:1-14)

"The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands" (Ps 19:1). "But who can discern their own errors? Forgive my hidden faults. Keep your servant also from willful sins; may they not rule over me.

Then I will be blameless, innocent of great transgression. May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, Lord, my Rock and my Redeemer" (Ps 19:12-14).

• How does the OT Torah relate to us as Christians?

The self-revelation of God (Three Voices in Harmony). C.S. Lewis says that Psalm 19 is "the greatest poem in the Psalter and one of the greatest lyrics in the world." It contains the clearest summary of the doctrine of revelation in the OT, namely that God has made himself known to all people as:

1. Creator (Ps 19:1-6): General revelation. The revelation of creation/nature. i) Revelation of God in the heavens (1-4b). ii) The all-seeing sun (4c-6).
2. Lawgiver (Ps 19:7-10, 11): Special revelation. The revelation of God's law.
3. Redeemer (Ps 19:11-14): Personal revelation. Human response. Prayerful reflection.

1. John Stott. Favorite Psalms. 1988. Psalm 19: The self-revelation of God.
2. Tim Keller. The Songs of Jesus. 2015.
3. Gerald Wilson. Psalms Vol 1. The NIV Application Commentary. 2002.
4. John Goldingay. 2013. Psalm 19: The mystery of sin.
5. Kidner. Psalms 1-72, 1973. 1975. Psalm 19: The Skies, the Scriptures. 1. The eloquence of nature (Ps 19:1-6). 2. The clarity of Scripture (Ps 19:7-14).
6. Alec Motyer. Psalms by the Day. 2016. Psalm 19: Three voices in harmony.
   
7. Longman III, Garland. 2008. God's Perfections Revealed in Work and Word. God's Glory in Creation; Perfection of God's Word; Commitment to Integrity.
1. The Revelation of Creation (Ps 19:1-6). i) The Revelation of the Skies (Ps 19:1-4b). ii) The Revelation of the Sun (Ps 19:4c-6).
2. The Revelation of God's Law (Ps 19:7-11).
3. Prayerful Reflection (Ps 19:12-14).

Psalm 19 has resonated deeply with theologians, authors, pastors, poets, and musicians alike, inspiring reflections on the beauty of creation, the clarity of divine revelation, and the transformative power of God's Word. Its verses continue to influence spiritual and artistic expressions across cultures and generations.

• Augustine saw Psalm 19 as celebrating God's revelation through both nature (Ps 19:1-6) and Scripture (Ps 19:7-14), emphasizing the dual nature of God's communication to humanity.
• C.S. Lewis called Psalm 19 "the greatest poem in the Psalter and one of the greatest lyrics in the world."
• Calvin emphasized how Psalm 19 shows God's revelation through both nature and scripture.
• Spurgeon referred to Psalm 19 as "The Heavens and the Word," highlighting its dual focus on general and special revelation.
• Isaac Watts paraphrased Psalm 19 in his hymn "The Heavens Declare Thy Glory, Lord."
• Matthew Henry noted how Psalm 19 presents God's glory in creation, the word, and the heart of believers.
• Gerard Manley Hopkins was inspired by Psalm 19 in his poem "God's Grandeur," which echoes themes of divine glory in nature.
• Jonathan Edwards used Psalm 19 to argue for the harmony between natural and biblical revelation.
• John Milton, in his poem "Paradise Lost," references Psalm 19 in describing the beauty of God's creation and the heavens declaring His glory.
• Martin Luther saw Psalm 19 as a prophecy of the spread of the Gospel throughout the world.
• Rabbi Abraham Joshua Heschel used Psalm 19 to discuss the concept of divine pathos and human wonder.
• N.T. Wright, in several of his writings, discussed themes of natural revelation and the moral law and the integration of God's creation and Torah.
• Tim Keller often refers to Psalm 19, discussing its implications for understanding God's revelation through both nature and Scripture.
• Bach composed a famous choral work, "The Heavens Declare the Glory of God," based on Psalm 19:1.
• Joseph Haydn's oratorio "Die Schöpfung" (The Creation) draws on themes of creation and divine revelation, echoing Psalm 19.

Day 15 Advent, 12/18/23: Some questions

Some random questions for myself from today's Advent reflection on God's purpose for Joseph's life (Mt 1:18-25):

Fear: Does fear rule in your heart? "Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife..." (Mt 1:20). Maybe not so much fear, but sadness and sorrow.

Salvation: Can you save yourself? "She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins" (Mt 1:21). Fortunately no, despite the constant default to do so.

Presence: Who do you depend on to help you? "The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel" (which means "God with us") (Mt 1:23). Thank God who "abandoned" his Son (Ps 22:1), so that he would not abandon us!

Bishop Barron's question (disaster): What, in your own life, appeared to be a disaster but was meaningful from God's perspective when you viewed it in hindsight and with the eyes of faith? Even now looking back over my life, what is happening currently is the best thing and God's perfect love and plan for my life and future.

Monday, December 18, 2023 Third Week of Advent Matthew 1:18–25 Friends, today's Gospel centers on one of the most beloved figures in Christian history: Joseph, the foster father of Jesus. He's featured in countless works of art and is prominent in the devotional lives of many. Yet we know almost nothing about him. The scant verses here in Matthew offer the most extensive description, yet even they reveal some powerful spiritual themes. First, we discover Mary was betrothed to Joseph and this union had been blessed by God. But then Joseph finds his betrothed is pregnant. Can you imagine the distress? This must have been an emotional maelstrom for him. And at a deeper level, it was a spiritual crisis. What did God want him to do? But then an angel appears to him in a dream and tells him, "Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home." He realizes at that moment that these puzzling events are part of God's much greater plan. What appears to be a disaster from his perspective is meaningful from God's perspective. Joseph was willing to cooperate with the divine plan, though he in no way knew its contours or deepest purpose. Like his wife, Mary, at the Annunciation, he trusted and let himself be led. .

Advent Questions, 12/17/23

These questions for Advent reflection are from Billy Graham's website:

Learn from Herod, who wanted to take control as "king" by taking matters into his own hands (Mt 2:1-3, 16).

• Do you recognize that Christ is King? Do you surrender all control of your life over to Him?
• What is sitting on the throne of your heart?
• What things are you elevating above Jesus in your life? Your job, your relationships, your hobbies, your vices?
• Are you living in a way that you know is not pleasing to God?
• In your daily life, what do you elevate above your faith?
• How can you reorder your priorities this Advent season?
• Whether intentionally or accidentally, do you prioritize the material celebration of Christmas (family, gifts, parties, decorations) or the spiritual celebration of Xmas (focusing on Jesus' birth)?

Prayer: Dear Jesus, forgive me for not giving You complete control of my life. Help me to turn from the things that hinder my faith and walk fully surrendered in Your light.

Davy 14 Advent, 12/17/23: 🔴 Just How Great John the Baptist was (John 1:27)

"...among you stands one you do not know. He is the one who comes after me, the straps of whose sandals I am not worthy to untie." (John 1:26-27).

I forgot how great John the Baptist is while listening to Bishop Barron's sermon. He was so popular and influencial that he captured the imagination of the nation, so that they went out of their way to see him in the desert wilderness (Mark 1:5). People were so enthralled by him that they wondered if he was possibly the Messiah (John 1:20; Luke 3:15). Jesus even says that among those born of women there is no one greater than John (Luke 7:28). John had both appeal and charisma like the top Hollywood celebrities, as well as depth of character and substance like Gandhi or Mandela. In our age of social media and celebrity frenzy he could have marketed himself to become very rich, and more popular that Taylor Swift or Beyonce. It's as though people wanted to crown him the king of the world.

So what is truly remarkable is how John saw himself. He did not allow the masses of people thronging to him to swell his head. He was not in the least affected by fame, popularity, celebrity or his power of influence. He lived simply in the desert eating very simply (Mark 1:6), which convicts me. He dressed meagerly and was not caught up by the latest fad or trend. He does not suffer from FOMO. He does not feel entitled. He knew his place and he knew who he was: (1) He was just a "voice" (John 1:23), not the main event. (2) He was just a servant who is not even worthy of being Christ's servant (John 1:27).

John's life convicts me on too many levels. I enjoy and plan to eat what I like. FOMO gets to me, regarding new things--restaurants, movies, allocated spirits, special events. I am so used to comfort and convenience, and to being lax and loose. I get attached to people and things. But John was free to loose all things and to be who God wanted him to be.

Lord, help me to learn and practice detachment from people and things. Help me to learn and embrace simplicity of life. Help me to know that I am just a servant so that I can be free to be who you want me to be.

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