“Christmas is built upon a beautiful and intentional paradox; that the birth of the homeless should be celebrated in every home.” ~ G.K. Chesterton
Christ is drawing closer. Today, we celebrate Gaudete Sunday, Rejoice Sunday: the midpoint of the Advent season. The ministers dress in rose vestments and stoles today and we breathe in the joy that awaits us in the Kingdom.
One of the reminders of the Kingdom, and one of the symbols on Jesse Trees, is Bethlehem. Bethlehem is “the place”. It is where Jesus was born to us as a tiny, helpless, fragile infant. It has always blown my mind to think about that paradox.
How could the Almighty stoop, if you will, so low? What would possess the All-Powerful to become helpless? There is only one word, I believe, that would sum up the answer to that question: love. Yes. Because God loved us and loves us so much, God would do and continues to do anything and everything to help us, to guide us, and to bring us home.
Chesterton points out a great paradox. Jesus was homeless. He was powerless. He was poor. Yet Magi sought Him out and, ultimately, His birth would be celebrated throughout the ages by the homeless as well as those who have homes, by the powerless as well as those who have power, quite frankly, by the entire world.
We begin our third week of Advent by pondering so great a paradox and mystery. Open our eyes and hearts, Lord, to the wonders and reality of your great love for us!
FAITH ACTION: If you know someone in need, reach out to that person so that this season may be a blessing for him or her as well. If you know no such person, perhaps contribute to a homeless shelter or soup kitchen.