We count down the days, but what, really, does the Advent Season mean to us as Christians? Does it impact our lives in any meaningful way?
We try to combat the commercialism of our culture with cute slogans, such as the reason for the season. But we fail to adequately articulate what this season means and how it impacts our lives. Placing the little Nativity scene that we bought at Costco in our homes is a nice touch, but what does it signify?
In a few days I will be flying to Tegel Airport in Berlin, Germany, where most of my family will be spending the Christmas holiday. This year, I am reminded of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, the German theologian, pastor, activist, spy and martyr, who, in both sermons and writings, spend a lot of time reflecting on the significance of Advent.
During the Christmas of 1943 Bonhoeffer, after his arrest, was confined to his cell in Tegel Prison. On the wall were an Advent wreath and a nativity picture, reminders, for him, of the birth of Christ. He sang some of his favorite hymns and read the Christmas story.
Bonhoeffer offers insights on the importance of Advent. He writes, “No priest, no theologian stood at the manger of Bethlehem. And yet all Christian theology has its origin in the wonder of all wonders: that God became human.”
He continues, “Holy theology arises from knees bent before the mystery of the divine child in the stable. Without the holy night, there is no theology. ‘God is revealed in the flesh,’ the God-human Jesus Christ – that is the holy mystery that theology came into being to protect and preserve.”
That seems to say it all.
Advent reminds us of this reality and invites us to recognize that the majestic God of creation is also that lowly infant, the one who now knocks on the door of our hearts and invites us to accept his invitation to spend eternity with him.
Advent urges us to become active participants. Jesus can be seen in everyone we meet. He was a child, who came to this earth in a lowly manner, not simply to take “our beating,” but to show us in human form what God was really like.
And so, as we celebrate Christmas and the traditions of our time, let our message be simple and yet infinitely profound. The great mystery of the ages is revealed in that manger, not just as a Baby, but as God himself.
Mark von Esch is an Attorney in Orange County and serves as Sabbath School Teacher for Outlook, which meets in the Choir Room at La Sierra University Church.