Thoughts on Advent...

I was thinking about the season of advent earlier today, and sat down to write some thoughts down for the next Missions Musings, an informal newsletter I put out at our church throughout the year updating folks on what's going on in outreach.

I wrote from a somewhat different slant this time. Instead of sharing updates, news and opportunities, I wanted to reflect on the season of advent and the connections that I perceived from a familiar verse of Scripture and how it may be an encouragement and challenge to us as we seek to share Christ's love with others.

“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.’ Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth, peace to men on whom his favor rests.’
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, ‘Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.’ So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them about this child.”
-Luke: 2:7-18

Advent: A Season of Expectant Waiting
Most of us are familiar with the above passage from Luke. So much so, that perhaps in our familiarity and rush through this contemplative time of year, we even skim it because of its familiarity.

I would love to encourage you to reread it and meditate on it for a moment with this thought in mind:
In today’s world, the only exposure that many people have to this Scripture is through the Charlie Brown Christmas Special, when Linus shares the message of expectant hope with Charlie Brown, who blew it again by getting a dorky little Christmas tree, one that could even be compared to “the least of these.” Who on earth would pick such a pathetic tree?

Yet Christ came for all of us, yet an alarming number of people in our world don’t have any idea of who He is. You don’t need to travel to Mozambique to meet them, either, they live right in your community. As representatives of Christ it is our calling and responsibility (known as the Great Commission) to share him with those who don’t yet know him.

When we love Christ with a passion, it is then a sobering thought to think about how many people there are who don’t (yet) know Christ. Of course, part of the reason for this may be precisely because of Christians they DID know. Were they hypocritical? Did they live any differently than the rest of the world? Were they judgmental? A great book to read about perceptions that non-Christians have of Christians is UnChristian. It is precisely how I felt for years.

If you are a Christian, how many non-Christians do you interact with, and even more so, have relationships with on an ongoing basis? Dan Kimball refers to this as living in the Christian Bubble, when we no longer have any friends outside of the church.

Recently a group from CMF met with Doug Diven, Director of Hand Up Foundation, (HUF), who spoke about his call to start the HUF Ministry. He described a “Holy Discontent” when he realized he didn’t have any non-Christian friends. And that really bugged him.

As I contemplate sharing Christ with others and developing friendships and relationships with others who don’t know Jesus and think about the above Scripture, I am both encouraged and challenged.

The Scriptures say that the shepherds lived nearby where the baby Jesus was to be born, and that they were busy tending their flocks. It reminds me of our place in our community and how we also live nearby to a place where great things may happen. Not the birth of the Messiah, but having the privilege of being the hands and feet of Jesus to our neighbors; while still tending our flocks (families, responsibilities, church events, etc.)

It also clearly says that the shepherds were terrified. Yup, it’s scary to do something new and different especially when the directive comes from unseen messengers…it’s more comfortable to stay home.

But the shepherds obeyed, and went to Bethlehem and were blessed. I believe we may also be blessed if we leave our routines and comfort zones and respond when God calls us.

There’s a catch, though, and that’s the obedience part. Ya gotta get up and do it. Hard? Sometimes. Scary? Sure. Rewarding? Beyond belief!

And finally, when the shepherds returned to their normal lives, they spoke about what they had seen, and the fact that “all who heard it were amazed.”

In a situation where we go out and serve, while we may certainly go back and share our experiences with others and be amazed (at how God uses us), I think the real amazement will be from those whom we serve. The question, "Why on earth would someone who doesn't even know me give two hoots about what happens to me?" It begs an answer.

And through that sharing others will hear about our Jesus.

This advent season (and beyond) won’t you join me in waiting expectantly for Christ and the opportunity to share him with others outside the four walls of church?

May peace abide in you and radiate from you as you pause to reflect upon the season of advent.