To ponder the Nativity is to enter into The Longing, in which a felicitation in our hearts of Jesus’ Incarnation turns to questions like “When , Oh Lord, will you come for your Bride?”—“Then, when will You and your Banqueting Table retinue of Heaven come to earth to commence the Millennial Reign and benevolent governance beyond?”
The Magi sought out the child who would be the Messiah, whose “government [would] be upon his shoulders.” This is far more than traveling to mechanically attest to a prophesied birth. And in our contemplation of Bethlehem, we sidestep casual observance to reckon with the enormity of the occasion and its ultimate implications.
Yes, Jesus came so that in ministry He would show us the Face of the Father. Our awe of the Divine Face creates an unfathomable familiarity, fellowship, and longing for its continuance in eternity. The “down payment” of the Holy Spirit gives us this very intimacy and assurance within our hearts. It is the “foretaste” of the banquet table and of Messiah’s reign to come.
So, we should enjoy our celebrating the Advent. But within such, we must give way to a swelling of zeal that purifies our thinking for worship and service to God, as the stirring of “Come, Lord Jesus!” resounds within us.
Yes, come now-Glorified One!
The Magi sought out the child who would be the Messiah, whose “government [would] be upon his shoulders.” This is far more than traveling to mechanically attest to a prophesied birth. And in our contemplation of Bethlehem, we sidestep casual observance to reckon with the enormity of the occasion and its ultimate implications.
Yes, Jesus came so that in ministry He would show us the Face of the Father. Our awe of the Divine Face creates an unfathomable familiarity, fellowship, and longing for its continuance in eternity. The “down payment” of the Holy Spirit gives us this very intimacy and assurance within our hearts. It is the “foretaste” of the banquet table and of Messiah’s reign to come.
So, we should enjoy our celebrating the Advent. But within such, we must give way to a swelling of zeal that purifies our thinking for worship and service to God, as the stirring of “Come, Lord Jesus!” resounds within us.
Yes, come now-Glorified One!
