Advent – The Improbable Story of Christmas

While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them. Luke 2:6-7 NIV

“And soon Edmund noticed that the snow which splashed against them as they rushed through it was much wetter than it had been all last night. At the same time, he noticed that he was feeling much less cold…In the wide glades there were primroses. A light breeze sprang up which scattered drops of moisture from the swaying branches and carried cool, delicious scents against the faces of the travelers. The trees began to come fully alive. …This is no thaw, said the Dwarf, suddenly stopping. This is spring. What are we to do? Your winter has been destroyed, I tell you! This is Aslan’s doing.

If either of you mention that name again, said the Witch, he shall instantly be killed.” (C.S. Lewis, The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe)

As long as anyone could remember, the land of Narnia had been held in the dark, cruel reign of the Queen of Narnia. Young Edmund had betrayed his siblings and pledged his loyalty to the Queen all for a piece of Turkish Delight and the false promise that he would be a ruler. Finally, the winter would come to an end as Aslan began to move into the land. All would have been lost for Edmund had it not been for Aslan.
The moment finally came in C. S. Lewis’ novel when Aslan began to stir in the land of Narnia. The battle would continue to rage but spring was beginning to thaw the frozen land and hope was beginning to bloom. Edmund’s heart began to see the truth and the cost of his infatuation with following the Queen.

Though C. S. Lewis didn’t necessarily write the Chronicles of Narnia as an Advent story, it brings light upon the true Advent. However, God did write the real Advent of waiting and watching as He reminds us to, “Turn to me and be saved, all you ends of the earth; for I am God, and there is no other.” (Isaiah 45:22). Advent would be God’s story told through the lives of men and women through the centuries preparing for the coming Messiah. Stories that had been passed down from one generation to the next keep the flames of hope alive waiting for God’s timing. Then the moment came when:

“Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.” (Luke 2:13-14)

The lowest of society left their flocks in search of this one bringing hope and peace. “When the angels had left, they immediately went into town to find the Messiah. “When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child” … then “The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.” (Luke 2)

The highest of society were stirred by God to seek the Savior of humankind. The Magi left their comfortable and elite surroundings to go in search of the “one who has been born king of the Jews.” They embarked upon a rigorous and dangerous journey of months for one purpose, “We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.” (Matthew 2)

Long after the angelic host had ascended, the shepherds had returned to fields tending their sheep, Simeon had blessed the baby and a prophetic word spoken over the baby by Anna, a tired but excited entourage of seekers came to the end of their journey to find The Messiah.

Can you imagine Joseph looking out the window and excitedly telling Mary, come look at this? Unlike the shepherds, these were men of influence and power. They consulted with kings and military leaders regularly. They were dressed magnificently, carried themselves proudly, and possessed that air of importance. They were accustomed to people groveling in their presence.

They came into the house where Joseph and Mary were living and immediately, “they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.”

I found Greg Laurie’s thoughts about the Wise Men very revealing. He writes, “I have a question for you. Do you think these men went home disappointed? Do you think they left Bethlehem feeling deflated or let down or depressed? Far from it! I think this might have been the crowning event of their whole lives. Through all their years, they would talk about the star, the young King, and the opportunity they had been given to worship Him with all their hearts and offer Him gifts. Will we meet them one day in Heaven? Only God knows, but my guess would be yes.” (Heaven’s Light Breaking)

Advent has been a special time of waiting and desiring but now Christmas has come! It is no longer a time of waiting but of worship. The first Advent has come and now the waiting for the second Advent begins. We wait with expectancy and assurance for the One who promised He would return. Christmas will always be more than food, fellowship, and presents. It is a time that we stop and place the focus on Jesus. We learn from the Shepherds, the Wise Men, Simeon, Anna, Joseph, and Mary that it is a time of worship and reflection. Like Mary, our spiritual journey of Advent allows us to treasure all these things and ponder them in our hearts.

I have enjoyed being with you during this Advent season of waiting and desiring. Our improbable story of Hope, Faith, Joy and now Peace has become probable because of what God did on that night in Bethlehem when the angel announced, “I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.”

What can I say Lord but thank you? It is in your tender mercy, abundant grace, and endless love that I can fully celebrate Christmas. Jesus is the one “called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”

Merry Christmas
God is great!