Words of Reflection
Sometimes it is the shortest sentences in the Bible that can impact us the most.
One text that appears in the three-year Scripture cycle for Advent is Philippians 4:4-7:
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”—Philippians 4:4-7 (NIV)
It is a passage that is often quoted during the Advent week focusing on “peace,” as it’s the place where Paul talks about the “peace that passes all understanding.” And during a season that can be filled with all sorts of anxiety, the apostle’s exhortation to pray “in every situation” is a good one to think about in the midst of shopping, family gatherings, and other holiday activities.
But I think the reason this passage was included in the Advent reading schedule is not the theme of peace, but instead the simple four words we find in verse five: The Lord is near.
Christmas is all about the nearness of God. The incarnation is where the God of the universe draws closer us than we even thought possible. He comes and lives as one of us, among us and alongside us. The distance between humanity and its Creator is breached by love, and because of that love we no longer need live a single day apart from him.
Theologians refer to this as the immanence of God, from the Latin word “manere,” meaning “to dwell.” It contrasts with transcendence, which literally means to “climb beyond.” In a way, the entire meaning of Christmas is captured in the distinction between these two words: the one who is beyond us has come to dwell with us.
The Lord is near.
On these Saturdays of Advent we offer instrumental versions of familiar carols with an invitation to simply sit in prayerful consideration of the words. Today we listen to a song that asks a straightforward question: “What Child is This?” The lyrics then go on to answer that question in no uncertain terms: this is Christ the King, the Word made flesh, the King of Kings.
This is God drawing near to us. May this time of reflection find you drawing near to him.
Scripture for Meditation:
“The Lord is trustworthy in all he promises and faithful in all he does.
The Lord upholds all who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down.
The eyes of all look to you, and you give them their food at the proper time.
You open your hand and satisfy the desires of every living thing.
The Lord is righteous in all his ways and faithful in all he does.
The Lord is near to all who call on him, to all who call on him in truth.
He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry and saves them.”—Psalm 145:13b-19 (NIV)
Song: What Child is This? (instrumental, lyrics appear below for reading slowly and prayerfully)
What Child is this who laid to rest,
On Mary's lap is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet,
While shepherds watch are keeping?
This this is Christ the King,
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing:
Haste, haste to bring Him laud,
The Babe, the Son of Mary!
Why lies He in such mean estate
Where ox and ass are feeding?
Good Christian fear for sinners here
The silent Word is pleading.
Nails, spear shall pierce Him through,
The cross be borne for me for you.
Hail, hail the Word made flesh,
The Babe, the Son of Mary!
So bring Him incense, gold, and myrrh;
Come peasant king to own Him.
The King of kings salvation brings,
Let loving hearts enthrone Him.
Raise, raise the song on high,
The Virgin sings her lullaby.
Joy, joy for Christ is born,
The Babe, the Son of Mary!
Questions for Contemplation:
Spend some time simply sitting in prayerful wonder at the truth that in Christ, God draws near to us. What does it mean for you that the God who speaks the universe into existence desires to be in relationship with you? How do you experience the transcendent in the immanent?
The Psalmist says that God is near “to all who call on him in truth.” And yet we aren’t always aware of it, are we? What helps you to continue to trust in God’s nearness even when you can’t sense it?
This ancient carol is filled with invitations, but they sometimes come to us in archaic language, such as “bring Him laud” and “own Him.” What do those phrases speak to you? What invitation from God do you sense in them?