Nativity
The story was told several years ago of a sailor in need of a repair part for a critical piece of equipment who called the supply depot. After being on hold for some time, the answer came, “That part is not available anywhere in the world, you’ll have to try somewhere else.”
That was the message of the prophets. After generations of placing their hope in kings and kingdoms, the truth kept coming, “What you’re seeking is not available anywhere in the world, you’ll have to look somewhere else.” So they waited and prayed and anticipated. And while they might not have understood it fully, that was pretty much their message to all who would listen, “When that which we’re seeking comes, it will come from ‘somewhere else.’”
And it did come . . . in a manger in Bethlehem . . . on a cross . . . through an empty tomb. That piece that all the world had been seeking.
It’s true today. That piece we’re seeking that will make everything right, that will fulfill all our dreams, is not available anywhere in the world. But the Good News is that the Kingdom of God has come. And there, in that Kingdom, is the ‘somewhere else’ we can try. The mystery of the Gospel is that while we live in the kingdoms of this world, we can also live in that other Kingdom, where Christ has come.
And there’s more. For those who are following Christ, the Kingdom is in us. And the part, the piece that those around you are so desperately seeking to make life complete, to bring fulfillment is there . . . in you, as you let Christ live through you.
Ah, there’s the message of Advent; that Christ has indeed come, not just to you and me, but through us to the world of your neighbor, your family, your friends.
“He was born long ago
And died for all men.
Let him live in you
And He shall live again.”
