Advent 2, Peace: in the in-between times

But Jesus’ life can never be destroyed

Hebrews 7:2, 16-17 The name Melchizedek means “king of justice,” and king of Salem means “king of peace.” … Jesus became a priest by the power of a life that cannot be destroyed. And the psalmist [Psalm 110:4] pointed this out when he prophesied, “You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.”

Luke 2:28, 32 Simeon took the baby Jesus in his arms and praised God, saying: … “He is a light to reveal God to the nations.”

Image by my friend Carol Amidi: https://www.carolamidi.net/

Justice?

Peace?

Jesus embracing both, revealing God to the nations?

Where is God in all that’s going on around us? What is he doing? What is his bigger plan?

How can we live from a center of peace, especially when there is chaos and calamity every day in the news and sometimes around us and maybe even in our own lived or family experience?

I would love to know your response to this question. Please take a minute to respond. I’m pondering this question this Advent whenever my mind isn’t occupied by other things. I’d love to profit from your input!

Meanwhile, here’s the link again to the Advent ABC playlist.

Countless thousands of angels

But God promises profound joy

Hebrews 12:18, 22 You have not come to Mount Sinai, a place of flaming fire, darkness, gloom, and whirlwind … and terror and trembling. … No, you have come to Mount Zion, to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to countless thousands of angels in a joyful gathering.

Can you imagine being part of that joyful gathering, surrounded, buoyed, overwhelmed by thousands of angel voices raised in worship of the Lamb, the Lamb who laid down his life for you?

A couple of years ago, I had a tiny taste of what this might be like. I was standing in worship in my church in Pittsburgh when all at once, I could see into Heaven. I can’t explain this; I can only tell you what I experienced. I felt goose bumps; a depth of wonder I don’t know how to describe. Awe.

And gradually I realized: the angels were singing with us. They sang the song we were singing in honor of the Lord. I wish I remembered what that song was.

The time of worship ended. The vision faded. I was so overwhelmed I had to sit down. After the closing prayer I looked around me. Did no one else see what I saw? How could I ever describe it? Was I meant to share it with others? To what end had God given me this glimpse of glory? Was it for me alone, to encourage me in a time of sadness?

I don’t fully know the answer. Tonight, I feel I am to share this with you. Perhaps you are in a moment of discouragement, wondering whether your life will ever come right. Perhaps this second-hand peek into the reality of God’s “heavenly Jerusalem” will prompt you to ask for your own deepened understanding of the joy-filled wonders that await us.

I offer this as a gift, passing on a gift given to me, Heaven touching earth. May the Holy Spirit use it to bless you as only he knows how to do.

Shutterstock: Bruce Rolff

I heard the voices of thousands and millions of angels around the throne … And they sang in a mighty chorus: “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain to receive power and riches and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and blessing.” And then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea. They sang, “Blessing and honor and glory and power belong to the one sitting on the throne and to the Lamb forever and ever.” Revelation 5:11-13

Worthy is the Lamb, Hillsong

Advent ABC: A to Z, Alpha and Omega

Isaiah 46:9-10, Revelation 1:8 I alone am God! I am God, and there is none like me, declaring the end from the beginning, and from ancient times the things that are not yet done, saying, “My counsel shall stand, and I will do all my pleasure.” … “I am the Alpha and the Omega—the beginning and the end,” says the Lord. “I am the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come—the Almighty One.”

We’ve reached the end of the alphabet, but not the end of worshiping Jesus for the variegated tapestry of who he is that we learn from Isaiah. We can circle back to the beginning and celebrate him each of the remaining days of Christmas (until January 6) and for the rest of the new year. Here’s the link again for the Advent ABC playlist, which you can find as well on the home page of ButGod.blog.

Dave and I are traveling tomorrow. I’ll see you back on this blog in February.

Happy New Year!

Alpha and Omega, Gaither Vocal Band

Sanctuary/Alpha and Omega, Israel Houghton and New Breed