Grace Notes 2021-11-24

Wednesday, November 24th 2021

I mentioned last week two deceptions of the age we live in that may not be on our radar scope. The first is the excessive individualism of our culture, to the detriment of seeing ourselves in community, most especially as active and functioning members in the Body of Christ. And I only hinted at the second one when I wrote of the attention we give to matters of comfort, convenience, and ease. I called that a spiritually lethal mix.

Obviously, our relative affluence along with the marvels of technology and medicine allow for more relaxation, luxury, safety, pleasure, and alleviation from suffering than most people in previous ages could have ever imagined. This is not all bad. But neither is it unmitigated good. How easily we can forget that our life in this age is finite, and filled with suffering, pain, difficulties, pitfalls, and disasters. When we encounter these inevitable realities, we often sense that we have been victimized and denied what we deserve or are entitled to. And how easy it is to forget what our purpose is in life.

Now it would be unnatural to want everything to be difficult and painful. We don’t need to go out of our way to encounter hardships. On the other hand, not only will we be unsuccessful in trying to escape unpleasantries, but much that is valuable in life comes because of struggling, striving, and suffering. This is especially true spiritually.

Our Lord Jesus pulled no punches when he describes the nature of discipleship. ““If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me” (Matthew 16:24). Plenty of Scriptures make it clear that the path of Christian discipleship is a difficult one. (cf. Mt 7:24; Ac 14:12; 2 Ti 3:12; Ja 1:12; 1Pe 1:6)

Friends, when we look to the faith primarily for comfort and ease, imagine what happens when we encounter hardship and discomfort. If we are not careful, we will avoid, evade, and abandon the faith.

Since You Asked…

What is the significance of the Season of Advent?

The Church year begins with Advent, a season of preparation that looks toward both Bethlehem and Christ’s return at the end of the age. Advent is its own Season and the rich symbols and themes should be safeguarded and celebrated without being drowned out by the upcoming celebration of Christmas. The first two Sundays in Advent center on the Parousia (Christ’s Second Coming). The third Sunday in Advent centers on John the Baptist as the herald of Christ. And the fourth Sunday often centers on the Virgin Mary in her exalted role in giving birth to God’s Anointed One.

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