It’s easy to live as if God is far off, even when we know that he has come near. We need seasons to help us remember. During the season of Advent, we go back to the time when Jesus first appeared to us so that we may become more aware of his appearing today, in the everyday moments of our lives—walking into our own wildernesses, joining us around our own dinner tables, resurrecting our own defeated bodies. – Casey Page Culbreth
Immanuel. Noel. Gloria. These are 3 words that are as familiar to this season as Santa, cookies, and the Grinch. But they are also words that are quickly lost in our normal Advent and Holiday seasonal craze. They are old words. They have an ancient feel and sound to them. They almost feel outdated today. And it’s exactly why I need them so desperately right now.
Unquestionably, this year is different. Lights and decorations are up, but so to is our collective anxiety and fear. There is this oppressive faceless specter that haunts our every moving moment. Covid hangs over us. It affects everything. It has thrown us off our patterns and comfortable norms. It’s kicking us in the gut physically, emotionally, relationally. It’s wearing me out trying to find ways to think around it and offer as many possible fixes or whatever respite that will come into my mind.
Yet as different as it is, the Grinch and Santa and cookies are all finding ways to stay in front of us. It is 9:30 in the morning and I have already received 25 emails and all but 5 of them were invitations for me to spend money and get my shopping in gear. I may not feel comfortable going to the mall, but it doesn’t mean the shops aren’t coming to me. It doesn’t mean that all the commercialization of the holiday is gonna magically disappear. It’s just different.
Which is why I need those other words more than ever. To sing the word Gloria is to “express eternal fame and renown to the name of God.” It is to praise and honor and exalt. To think of the glory of God is to get swept up in the beauty of creator and redeemer and sustainer. The glory of God is to wake up and see the pristine beauty of snow falling outside your window (and the warmth of a cup of hot coffee).
Noel is a French word that comes from the phrase “bonnes nouvelles” which means good news. Noel is a shortened version of that good news and in ancient days referred to someone’s birthday. It is most commonly associated today with the good news that happened at the birthday of Jesus. It is most commonly translated in English today as Christmas. To wish a Joyeux Noel is to wish a joyful or merry Christmas and to remember the birth of the Savior.
Immanuel is probably the most well known of these 3 words. It is simply translated “God with Us.” But the problem with familiarity is that is can quickly deaden or dull truth. God with us – God is here, right now. In this second, in your space – in the breath we took, God is with us. God isn’t on some throne far away – to old and to distant to care. God isn’t Father Time with some long beard who is ready for a nap. God is with us. God is here.
Over the next 25 days, I’m thankful to live into this truth. I need it. We all need it. In this very different season, I’m praying that this life altering reality will be something I can simmer in. I’m hoping that the gift of a year living in exile may just be the thing that awakens me to God’s closeness. God has always been engaged in the struggles of creation; and that includes this present moment. In this one, I’m hopeful that I will choose eyes to see Him instead of all the other stuff.
Glorious One, as I begin this Advent season I choose to let this simple phrase be my prayer. Let it be on my lips as I lay my head on my pillow. Let it be the first waking thought in the morning. Let me walk with it throughout my day – in good and in trying moments. When I am stressed, let it be a gift of peace. When I am joyful, let it be a song I sing. When the dreariness of exile and pandemic try to swallow me whole – let the expectation of a Joyeux Noelle be uttered in one simple declaration and prayer: Immanuel – God you are here! Amen.
2 comments
Hey Jim! This whole period we’ve been in has definitely been other-worldly and there’s never been a better time than this season to begin reconnecting. Our faith has been tested, yes, but that doesn’t mean that we can’t come out stronger because of it– and with a deeper understanding of God’s presence in our lives and what his will is for us. I can’t help but think of T.S. Eliot’s quote from “Little Giddings”: “We shall not cease from exploration, and the end of all our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place for the first time.” I think our journey, our exploration of God in our lives, is nothing more than a series of spiritual awakenings and each one is a “first time.” Take care– and love to you and your family.