The Advent season is busy and festive. It is the most wonderful time of the year and can also be the busiest time of year – whether it is traveling with family or the local routine of Christmas events for the family. There are also all the typical statements made during this season. Make sure to remember ‘the reason for the season.’ We can know it is about him but still settle for our culture's view of Jesus.
This past Sunday, we looked at John the Baptist, who ate locust and honey and called people to repent for their sins. Jesus had a different approach. Though Jesus did say challenging things, he also ate with tax collectors and sinners (think of non-Christians who might disagree with you on many issues). This difference is highlighted in the gospel of Matthew:
“To what can I compare this generation? They are like children sitting in the marketplaces and calling out to others: “‘We played the pipe for you, and you did not dance; we sang a dirge, and you did not mourn.’ For John came neither eating nor drinking, and they say, ‘He has a demon.’ The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, ‘Here is a glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners.’ But wisdom is proved right by her deeds.” Then Jesus began to denounce the towns in which most of his miracles had been performed, because they did not repent. (Matthew 11:16-20)
The generation Jesus referred to were fickle and not easily pleased. They rejected John and Jesus because neither fit their perceived expectations and desires. But Jesus warned the towns where he performed his miracles (they saw him heal and even raise the dead), yet they did not believe. God's power was present, and they rejected him for their preferences even when they saw the miraculous. Because of this rejection they miss out on what he offers:
No one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and those to whom the Son chooses to reveal him. “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:27-30)
Ask the Lord to reveal himself this season – to see him more clearly – so you can find the one who gives you rest. We don't need to get our life in order or do good deeds – he calls us to himself and is gentle and humble in heart. We need him this season and all year – a beautiful holy approachable Savior who challenges our fickleness and offers us rest.
