In the light of Advent

Hennie Symington

He is the head of his body, the church; he is the source of the body's life. He is the first-born Son, who was raised from death, in order that he alone might have the first place in all things. For it was by God's own decision that the Son has in himself the full nature of God. Through the Son, then, God decided to bring the whole universe back to himself. God made peace through his Son's blood on the cross and so brought back to himself all things, both on earth and in heaven. Colossians 1:18-20

To the eternal King, immortal and invisible, the only God — to him be honour and glory for ever and ever! Amen. 1 Timothy 1:17

This coming Sunday marks the start of Advent. We can now start counting the days to Christmas. The star of Advent undoubtedly is Christ. During the year we are so intent on ourselves and our own families and dealing with our own difficulties, that this month offers us a chance to focus on the run up to the Christmas story.

Amid the many saviours and messiahs who have come and gone throughout history Jesus stands, not as a footnote to any philosophy or as an inaccessible bit of ethics that only a small group of people understands. Nor does he appear as some or other shaman or holy man who promises to bring you closer to God, or take you on your a journey of self discovery.

Who is he? He is the Divine and has been in existence from before time and space. Unlike man, he is not created in the image of God; he is God himself.

He is God the Creator because “by Him all things were created, visible as well as invisible.

He is the "head" of his church on earth because he was the first to conquer death. But more importantly, God has chosen to reside in him with all power and might and to make him visible to us.

We are not dealing with a mere image of God, or a mere helpless child in a manger. Christ stands as Pantocrator - ruler of the universe. However, the most profound truth about Christ is that he made himself vulnerable to be born in our hearts.
Prayer
Lord, you as the ruler of the universe came to us in all simplicity because you loved us so much. We want to honour and dedicate ourselves to you anew. Amen