The Manger and the Throne

A SIGN FOR ADVENT

Fourth Sunday in Advent.

The advent season passes quickly, and soon another year is upon us. But no one can experience the full realization of Christmas, unless he has first undergone the watching, waiting, and spiritual anticipation that these days bring. We have recalled the story of the angel of the annunciation, brought to mind the star, the wise men, and the angelic hosts. Our hearts were strangely warmed, and in the depths of our souls we knew that we were moved meaningfully. Yet if we become careless, the inspiration may fade, grow dim, and finally vanish away. We seem unable to retain the august moments of spiritual heights. We struggle because we are so earthbound. Our memories recede, our minds having the propensity to forget all to soon. Yesterday, and today, we were ready to receive the Christ child into our hearts and homes. Tomorrow the harsh realities of this world may block or obscure our vision.

While it is true that there follows a mild letdown after the commemoration of the events of the season, we ought not allow the lessening of the experience deepen into complete forgetfulness. I realize the job will be waiting for us on Monday morning, that the light bill is overdue, and that it may take us two or three months to pay off the accounts we extended during the festive season. But really, these are simply ordinary incidents that we manage in the every day business of our existence. They ought not to change us, nor should we permit them to cause the aura of advent to disperse too readily.

Retaining Spiritual Vitality.

The depths of inner strength we have acquired so recently is hardly ever enough. We need the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ to hold us to our course. Though our society continues to evolve, and though the earthly scenes continue to change, we have a universal constant. He who came as the climax of the first advent season now past, is still the mighty God. He remains faithful and steadfast, for Christ our Lord is the same yesterday, and today, and forever. This is one of the hallmarks of our belief. When our energy for life ebbs low, as it will, we can look to him whose grace is always sufficient for us. We can look to the Lord Jesus whose strength is made perfect in our weakness. Through him the spiritual inclination of our souls will remain strong. Through worship, personal devotion, and prayer, we will remain so throughout the year that lies ahead.

Perhaps, a sign may be of aid. Most surely, there is a mystical aura that pervades the advent season. Using the term broadly, it is the sign of spiritual expectation. When the Lord walked this earth, it was the expectation of the soul that his presence awakened in every human heart that came near him. The expectation of the soul, to awaken it, to feel it, and to live in it, that is a very good sign. Though the Pharisees faltered, it is not all that difficult to read the signs of the times; they are here, they are there, they are everywhere. When we think about it, we have many signs – the star, the wise men, shepherds, angels, and the manger. They all speak of higher things, of the grace of God, and of the power of an endless life that was born for us so many years ago.

Not only we, but also the early followers of our Lord were in need of help in retaining their spiritual vitality, after he ascended to be with the Father. It was not until after the amazing experience of Pentecost that the disciples acquired a deep spiritual faith. They obtained an intensity in their belief of things unseen, which they had not had prior to that wonderful experience. The coming of the Holy Spirit filled them with power, and "great grace was upon them." Awareness of the Presence made the difference. They were enabled to retain the strength of the spiritual life they had received from him, when they walked in close fellowship with the Lord Jesus.

In our Christian symbols, the figure of the Dove signifies the presence of the Holy Spirit. The Dove is a good sign for advent. A sign for advent? The Dove? Yes, we will look for the sign of the Dove, because this is the anniversary of the coming of the holy child, who was conceived by the Holy Ghost. Because the Spirit, of God pervades all the incidents of the advent season, his coming awakens the spiritual expectation of the human soul. Our Lord gave us the Comforter as a friend come along side to help. And the signs of his presence, during these days, runs over all the land.