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“Into this world, this demented inn in which there is absolutely no room for Him at all, Christ comes uninvited.” – Thomas Merton
“Each of us is an innkeeper who decides if there is room for Jesus.” – Neal A. Maxwell
ADVENT means the arrival of a notable person, thing or event. In Christian Theology it is both the season of the year leading up to Christmas- the celebration of Jesus Christ’s arrival; and the anticipation of the second coming of Christ. The Latin advenire means “to come.”
The account of Joseph and Mary traveling from Nazareth to Bethlehem is familiar. Across this Country and around the world nativity scenes will grace many homes and establishments commemorating the arrival of the baby Jesus. Carols will be sung, pageants will be held, gifts will be presented, and there will be feasting. Thousands of years later, millions are now aware of what an auspicious occasion it was. Then, it was an humble and ignoble birth in a smelly manger with animals. The event in Luke 2, though lauded by the Angelic Hosts in Heaven, was barely acknowledged on earth save for some Shepherds in a field, a few wise men following a star, and jealous king Herod attempting to prevent a coup. The arrival of a Kardashian baby would garner more attention than our reception of the Savior of the world. Paparrazi stalk
celebrities for a glimpse at a newborn. Royal births are greeted with public fanfare (E.g. Prince William and Princess Kate’s children). It is unfathomable that the appearance of the King of Glory: who would forgive the sin of mankind, restore us back to God, bring peace and healing to the wounded and broken, release the captives and proclaim favor to the lost, (Isaiah 61:1-2; Luke 4:18-19) would be cloaked in obscurity, anonymity and seeming insignificance. Our ways and thoughts are significantly lower than God’s. (Isa. 55:8-9) Advent sets in motion His plan to confound the wisdom of men by using the death of Jesus on the Cross of Calvary to redeem mankind. Then He uses the foolishness of preaching by the most unlikely vessels to inform the world! (1 Cor. 1) What if the innkeeper had known who he was turning away? It is sure that he would have displaced the most significant man in the best room available for Jesus. What if WE were to realize that we’re turning away Jesus for Santa, shopping, trees, decorations and lights, vacations and food? Would we find the time for Him? Would we MAKE room? |
THIS SUNDAY 513-212-1131
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