How do we interpret and observe the season of Advent? Some want these weeks to be a big ramp-up to Christmas, generating more and more excitement for the “big day”. Others see this period as similar to Lent, to be a time devoted to serious, thoughtful contemplation prior to the observance of Christ’s birth. There can be tension between the two schools of thought, as the first group can come off as inappropriately secularized, and the second as too somber and serious for such a joy-filled season. But celebration and contemplation are not mutually exclusive, and as we understand the historic context and ponder the significance of the fulfillment of centuries of prophecy, praise and rejoicing will have greater depth and significance.
During this short season of Advent, we have the opportunity to learn and to be inspired by the ancient prophecies and the accounts of the events that led up to the birth of God’s own Son, the promised Messiah. We hear the familiar words every year, but as life experiences take place, we probably hear them from varying perspectives. As young adults, we’d be empathetic to Mary and Joseph’s situation, as an engaged couple with a baby on the way. Young parents can hardly imagine what it would be like for a very pregnant woman to take a long, rugged journey riding on a donkey, and certainly cringe at the idea of giving birth alone in a grubby, cold stable. As mature adults, we might reflect on what it would be like to be the parents of this unique child as he grew to adulthood. And as even more mature adults, we hear with profound and grateful joy the good news for all people, that of the birth of a Savior who is Christ the Lord.
The ways in which we learn and understand these stories depends greatly on the ages and stages of those participating. For instance, Martin Luther took great pleasure in the curiosity and intelligence of his children, so to teach them about Jesus, the Son of God, who was born a human child, he wrote a song. Using the tune of a secular singing game of the time, Luther wrote “From Heaven Above” telling the story of Jesus’ birth and the reason for his coming, and praising God for sending his Son to save the world from its sins. Simple and tuneful, it’s not hard to imagine his children learning as they sang the song.
An Advent opportunity next Sunday will include sharing and learning with our families of younger children, and we’ll sing with the family of Martin Luther:
“From heav’n above to earth I come to bear good news to ev’ry home:
Glad tidings of great joy I bring, whereof I now will say and sing:
“To you this night is born a child of Mary, chosen virgin mild:
This little child of lowly birth shall be the joy of all the earth.”
Your friend in Christ,
Mary Rogers