Advent Is About Our Radiant Lord

What does radiant mean? I can tell you what it doesn't mean. I am not radiant.  Today I couldn't even muster up enough energy to go to the Ralph Carmichael Big Band concert.  It would have been invigorating and I could have spent time with some people from church.  No energy. Headache. Blurry vision. Did I say "No Energy"?

 

According to the dictionary, RADIANT can be a noun or an adjective:  emitting light or filled with light.  Beaming. Bright. Brilliant. Glowing. Dazzling. Do those words make you think of anything or anyone?  Does this word make you think of Christmas?

 

The star that led the wise men was radiant. The angel announcing Jesus' coming birth was radiant. Many people think that pregnancy makes a woman radiant. Pictures portray the Baby Jesus as being radiant. All mean bright, brilliant, glowing, and joyful.

 

The Baby Jesus fills us with joy. He is radiant because He beams unconditional love. He is radiant because He dazzles us with His wisdom.  He is radiant because He brightly shows us the way to Heaven. He is radiant because He emits light on truth. Jesus is the One Who embodies love, joy, peace, and hope.

 

How does that relate to everyday? Tonight I was very disappointed that I did not get to go and hear Big Band music. Then two blessings from God came my way: a Christmas gift from Tim & Rachel and Maggie brought me the ball to play with her. Their gift is one that I can and will use daily.  God knew that Tim & Rachel thinking of me in a personal way would put a smile on my face.  God knew that sitting near the tree and the glowing fire with Maggie would be comforting to me. 

 

Thinking about the Radiance of our Lord Jesus puts a smile on my face. Reflecting on His personal touch in daily life is what Christmastime gives me.  No energy? But, it does give me time to reflect and see His personal touch in my life.  It gives me time for prayer or conversation with the Father.  Advent is about our Radiant Lord.

 

Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others

—the armies of heaven—

praising God and saying,

 

“Glory to God in highest heaven,

and peace on earth to those with whom God is pleased.”

Luke 2: 13 - 14  NLT



Advent Can Include Adoration

Today was the children's program at church. What a great representation of Luke 2 and Matthew 2:  Mary, Joseph, angels, sheep, shepherds, star, wisemen, donkey. The performers were young children and elementary children.  Some wanted their mothers, some posed for cameras, some smiled, and some stuck to the "script".  Five year old Mary and five year old Joseph gently wrapped baby Jesus in a blanket. The young angel smiled while she delivered the message to the shepherds. The other angels joined the angel and held their arms in the air so that parents could get pictures. Parents stayed in their seats and quietly took pictures but their children knew. Adoration toward the Baby Jesus was seen.

The sermon followed and made us focus on Jesus, the Son of God, who became human. HE can relate to us emotionally, physically, and experiencially. Jesus was rejected even by His Father (on the cross), felt true pain (on the cross), and knew loss (death of his earthly father, sometime between age of 12 and death, John 19:25 - 27).  At one point His brothers misunderstood Him. The people who knew Him while growing up rejected Him. And, He physically got tired like when He was at the well, sitting, resting. 

Reflecting on my life, it has been comforting to know that God incarnate understood me.  He had felt betrayed, alone, rejected, misunderstood, tempted, limited physically, left His home, and in pain. I don't have to say, "But no one understands all that I have given up...been through, etc."  He does! 

But why ADORATION?  I love Him because He knows me.  I love Him because He loves me.  I love Him because He has sacrificed Heaven, the Throne, and His life for me.  I worship Him because He is God. I worship Him because He gives Peace.  I worship Him because He is accessible.  I worship Him because He is Love.  I worship Him because He is my Savior.

Mary responded,

“Oh, how my soul praises the Lord.

How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior!

For he took notice of his lowly servant girl,

and from now on all generations will call me blessed.

For the Mighty One is holy,

and Hdone great things for me.

He shows mercy from generation to generation

to all who fear Him.

His mighty arm has done tremendous things!

... ... ... ... ...

He has helped His servant Israel

and remembered to be merciful.

Luke 1:46 - 54  NLT

O come, all ye faithful,

Joyful and triumphant,

O come ye, O come ye to Bethlehem;

Come and behold him,

Born the King of angels;

O come, let us adore him,

O come, let us adore him,

O Come, let us adore him, Christ the Lord.

Advent Can Be Prayerful

While reflecting on the past few days, it was obvious that my energy came in spurts. Yesterday, after sleeping until five pm, I had energy for a few little things. I was able to do a few things for others. It was a great feeling as usually people are waiting on me. The other observation was that the concert was worth the tole it took on my body. That is how I will decide which events to push toward:  no energy used prior to the event, eat healthy, plan on sleeping the following day, and enjoy.

The leading up to the concert was very exciting. All of us were looking forward to a fun evening and we were not disappointed. Straight No Chaser is a group of showmen. Very entertaining and talented singers. But, why the excitement? What were the expectations? People around us were equally as excited and most of them had seen these men in person several times. For us, it was new but we expected beautiful singing mixed with choreography and humor. An evening of laughing. The musicians did not disappoint. The excitement matched the performance.

Will Advent match the excitement? While growing up, I remember this month leading up to Christmas as very stressful. There was a "to-do" list that caused a lot of pressure. My personality is one that I will make the list but whatever doesn't get done is ok. We adjust without that being done.  (Ok, except for cleaning when guests were coming. That could add stress the kids and those around me.) Plus, I used to have the goal of getting shopping completed by the end of October.  That worked for me because decorating and baking were important...and cards.  So, did the excitement match reality?

My excitement leading up to December 24 and 25 is about people. Who will I see? What can I do to make the holiday memorable for others? How do I make the celebration center around Jesus?  Well, prayer needs to be added.

When the season includes daily prayer time, it is our invitation for God to join us. "Lord, please help me keep You the center of Advent and our celebrations on Christmas Eve and Day. I love You and want this time to be Yours."  The thought that He left Heaven for me, for us, is such an enormous sacrifice that I have to give Him center stage. Prayer is one way to do that: a specified time in my routine, or sporadic if that is your personality. Talking with Him makes me focus.

For a Child is born to us,

a Son is given to us.

The government will rest on His shoulders.

And He will be called:

Wonderful Counselor,

Mighty God,

Everlasting Father,

Prince of Peace. 

Isaiah 9:6  NLT

The song, "Move Me Closer (A Shepherd's Prayer)" by Evie Tornquist is playing. It talks about moving closer to the Lord in the manger scene. That is my prayer today and all of Advent:  "Lord, please move me closer to You. Show me how to be more like You and to live aware of Your Presence."

Advent Can Be Exciting

Have you ever wondered what children are expecting at Halloween? At Birthdays? At Christmas? If I was teaching, I would have students write about their expectations. They get so excited when a holiday is coming.

Tonight I am going to a concert and I am sooooo excited! No energy. No Energy. No ENERGY! But, I AM GOING!!!  Straight No Chaser is a men's a capella group. I have heard them and seen a video of one of their shows. They are fantastic! But, why am I excited? What am I expecting that would push me to get ready?

Advent is an exciting time but our culture tends to make it stressful:  shopping, decorating, baking, cards, mailing, entertaining.  But, put it back into perspective of what advent is:  waiting for the Savior, celebrating His earthly birth. The rest is pressure put on us by our culture. God loves us no matter what we finish or leave undone this year.

Why is Advent exciting? Well, what could be better or more important? We are celebrating Jesus' coming to Earth from Heaven, taking on human form, sacrificing all for us. Exciting? It is exciting to stop and think about how much He loves us. None of us has ever or can ever sacrifice what He did for us. Leaving Heaven??? Leaving His throne?  Leaving His place next to the Father? That is so awesome - fantastic - exciting!  I am excited because I want to be reminded everyday of His unconditional, sacrificial love for me. Manger scenes, carols, Christmas songs, children's plays, Luke 2, and some cards are reminders for me of the true reason for Advent. 

Why am I excited for the concert? What do I expect that is worth pushing my body so hard? I expect to experience lively music, humor, beautifully blended sounds, fellowship, and the making of a warm memory.  I am excited!

Advent Can Be Reflective

Making the waiting and preparation for the celebration of Jesus' birth can be personal but also reflective.  Realizing that the Lord of all is personally involved in our daily lives is exhilarating!  For me, He gave me the necessary energy to get blood tests, etc completed for Wed.'s oncology appointment. It was amazing. Where was that energy hiding?

The whole day the Lord was visible and blessed me personally. Maggie, the family dog, brought me her ball and we played together. Another Christmas tub was found and it had a collection of my books. Some of my decorations were added to the rooms throughout the house. It feels like Christmas - Advent and home!

How is REFLECTING different from making this season personal? Personal is being aware of our Lord's presence in our lives. Reflecting is taking time to write, draw, discuss, record about the day or two days. How would you describe yesterday in regards to God's Presence? Your awareness of preparing for Christmas? What brought joy? What brought peace? What showed love?

For me, it was interesting to see how I went from being depressed at how my health impacts others' lives to feeling content to feeling joyful. The circumstances did not change but my understanding of my emotions changed. Reflection turned my depression to joy.

Advent Can Be Personal

Whether moving, planning a wedding, going on a trip, preparing for surgery, or at the end of your life, it is personal. Often we think of preparations for Christmas as a group or family project: decorating, buying gifts, sending cards, baking cookies, school performances, wrapping the gifts, caroling, or setting up the manger scene.  But, to make the Advent season meaningful, it must be personal too.

I was impressed and excited when one young lady posted that she was going to read part of the Christmas story from the Bible each day prior to Christmas.  What a great example and decision!  Others are making lists and "checking them twice".  Some friends have chocolate advent calendars to open each day. All of this made me realize that I need everyday to be a personal journey with God because it is Advent.

My journey has made me more aware of death and Heaven.  I have a playlist on my iPod labeled "Heaven" as well as Christmas, Worship, Christian, Country, Classical, Oldies, Jazz, etc.  Writing to special people in my life is part of my preparation. Making sure that bank accounts, etc are set up to make the transition easy for others has taken place. Possessions and little details have been thought about.

But, what is special this month, this time of preparing for the celebration of Jesus' birth? Bible reading, being aware of blessings, daily thanking Him for His sacrifice for me, and looking at creation, life, people as daily gifts from God.  That is what I will do this month that is different than my daily routine: focus on the gift(s) that He has personally given me.

Years ago, God made a rainbow just for me. This summer He sent a "get well" balloon into the yard just for me. The birds visit the yard just for me. This bedroom is here just for me. The palm trees are visible just for me.  Music plays just for me. The laughter I hear is just for me. And, Jesus came to earth, just for me.

When we personalize all that He does and has done,

Advent becomes very special and very personal.

Celebrate His touch in your life!

Advent

Advent is a time of preparation. Transitions are a part of life filled with preparations.  After spending three weeks in southern Washington and Oregon, I have now returned home to San Jose. Emotionally it was interesting to go to Washington and emotional while returning home. Going from healthy to cancer with no energy has been a huge transition.  And, now, all of us are transitioning from Thanksgiving to Christmas time.

Jesus willfully transitioned from Heaven to Earth. He went from perfection to chaos, no enclosure to a limiting body, perfect love to rejection, Deity to human. Jesus did this for us so we use this time to prepare for the celebration of His birth. 

P - Personal

R - Reflective

E - Exciting

P - Prayerful

A - Adoration

R - Radiant

A - Almighty

T - Traditions

 I -  Intentional

O - Others

N - Nativity

From now until December 25, I want to focus on preparing for Christmas. Hopefully it will remind us that we are preparing for many things during our journey together. This whole month watch to see where God is taking you. While preparing to come home, I was trying to sleep but was frustrated due to little energy. I had wanted to make special memories with Tim and Rachel but didn't have energy to leave the house. I decided to check Facebook and saw that the verse on my News Feed from Bible was Psalm 73:26:

My health may fail,

and my spirit may grow weak,

but God remains the strength of my heart;

He is mine forever.

I love how He is involved in every minute of my life. Physical transitions. Seasonal transitions. Relational transitions. HE is my strength - our strength. Amen. Memories were made inside their house.