Advent: Looking Forward to His Plan
During a lively question-and-answer time that included the subjects of heaven, hell, the New Jerusalem, and why it wasn’t creepy for all those who belong to Jesus to be His Bride, the Lego platform on my dining room table was adorned with all the yellow bricks, eaves and flats I could find, along with anything that resembled gems. The hour-plus conversation did not at all resemble the reverent, candle-lit stereotype of family Advent devotions! But the combined creative input of those around the table produced a much better City of God’s Desire than I could have possibility done alone.
The question of heaven being “everything I have ever wanted,” for instance: a house by a lake, all the puppies, unlimited peanut butter and jelly, was addressed with the understanding that being with Jesus will fulfill the essential and core needs of our hearts that are reflected in the things we think we want. The desire for “a house by the lake” mirrors the deep need for beauty, refreshment, and peace; “all the puppies” exposes the desperate need to receive unconditional love and enjoyment; “unlimited peanut butter and jelly” comes from the need to be secure in the supply of our needs. All these and more are the heart of God for us, and will be the state of things in the City Made Without Hands, over which the angel shouts: “NOW is the dwelling of God among men. He will be their God, and they will be His people!”
I may never see the fruit of that time invested in making known God’s eternal longing and plan to rescue a Bride from among humanity, but my own heart is drawn ever more deeply to the wonder of a love that planned such a daring rescue long before there was anyone in peril! The understanding that Jesus committed to status-stripping and the most comprehensive pain anyone could suffer is a beauty and a horror that brings tears and songs together. Christmas is the hinge point of His plan. Let us celebrate with great joy! The Rescuer has been born!
Following Jesus every day…even the not-so-everyday days leading up to Christmas!
Christi
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