Relentless Advent

The season of Advent, when we wait for the coming of Christ, is more relevant and urgent the more we are experiencing turmoil. If all is generally well, the promise of Christ’s coming is not likely to be as crucial to us. But when life is difficult and darkness looms, the appearing of the Light is hope for life itself.

In Him was life, and the life was the Light of men. John 1:4

We know from the gospels and throughout subsequent history that the poor, the outsiders, the marginalized, the desperate and oppressed, and those dissatisfied with, and disadvantaged by the status quo, have always been the ones most often drawn to Jesus. They recognize themselves in him, and see that he is one of them. He cannot come quick enough!

These are the ones for whom life is elusive. Existence they may have, but an abundant life (John 10:10) is what they long for. Not one defined superficially by excess and extravagant luxury, but conveyed through deep meaning, in the vibrancy of connection with others, and with a sense of freedom and participation in what sustains.

This Jesus for outsiders, who offers a deep and abiding life, has been always under threat of being domesticated, made merely pleasant, distorted so as to be acceptable to the rulers of this age, selfishly pleasing, and only the overturner of other people’s tables . . . never our own.

Some attempt to recast the birth of Jesus in a sentimental light so that he no longer is a threat to the Herods of this world. In fact, many he came to dethrone find ways to pretend the story of a mother with child furthers their own ambitions.

And he [Herod] sent them to Bethlehem and said, “Go and search carefully for the Child; and when you have found Him, report to me, so that I too may come and worship Him. Matthew 2:8

The world’s Herods feign a desire to worship the new child-king, but the only worship of which they are capable is for themselves, no matter what they claim. There is but one throne, and he who sits on it is the slain lamb. The contrast could not be clearer.

And He was saying to them, “You are from below, I am from above; you are of this world, I am not of this world.” John 8:23

Despite all attempts to suppress the revolutionary implications, the disruptive energy, and the determination to lift up the cause of the oppressed, the advent of a new king shakes the foundations of this world. Jesus is not of the order and systems of this world, and is therefore an existential threat. He who threatens not, is nevertheless a deadly threat. His way is an alternative to Herod’s rule, and incompatible with it.

Love will win over hate and apathy. Humility will triumph over arrogance, and weakness will conquer strength. The appearing of the promised child happens despite efforts to negate it. His coming is being realized again and again until all has been made his footstool.