‘Intentional’ Nativity
My last musing this Advent and for 2011 is focussing on another word. 'Intentional'.
The advent story is full of moments around being intentional. The whole journey towards the nativity is one of choosing to be intentional. A definition of this word is to purpose to. However, within the intentionality there are positive and negative moments as the drama unfolds.
On the negative side, the intentionality of Herod in dealing with the 'threat' of a new King and scheming of a murderous opportunity through deception with the Magi is one we know so well. Other negative moments are Zachariah, who disbelieves the power of God in the fact of his wife being pregnant in advanced years resulting in him being unable to speak. Joseph in the moment of feeling betrayed, intends to divorce his betrothed and deal with things 'on the sly'. These three men in their own way wish to 'fix the problem as they see it', all in a negative way. The purpose to deal with God's intervention in a way that they see fit. The heart of this is 'pride'. God however has other plans which is not a man's heart.
The women in the story, Mary and Elizabeth, embrace the intentionality of the nativity story in a profound way. They see the bigger perspective, irrespective of the perceptions of others, choosing to bring their concerns to God, rather than 'fix' stuff their way. Both visitations result in surrender to God's intentionality and wait on his will to be done. The brothers have a lot to learn and we still do!
The Advent story even in the wait is one where people have the choice to engage with God or not. There are positive and negative ways that the response could be. This story compels us in its roller coaster ride to make a choice to follow.
Giving people the choice to choose this Christmas in bringing before them the beginnings of Jesus Christ's entry to planet earth, with all the issues humanity faced at that time which pretty much covers the spectrum, gives people a moment to choose whether they wish to intentionally follow Christ or wish to dispose of him as an inconvenient truth. We have another opportunity to present this to young people and those we come into contact with.
As we lead up to Christmas - it is in our worship of coming to Christ that we show our intent. The choice to continue following Him beyond the manger is the biggest challenge until we meet the coming King again.
I leave you with the words of Mary, mother of our Lord who exemplifies worship of God from Luke 1 v46-55
And Mary said,
‘My soul magnifies the Lord,
and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour,
for he has looked with favour on the lowliness of his servant.
Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed;
for the Mighty One has done great things for me,
and holy is his name.
His mercy is for those who fear him
from generation to generation.
He has shown strength with his arm;
he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts.
He has brought down the powerful from their thrones,
and lifted up the lowly;
he has filled the hungry with good things,
and sent the rich away empty.
He has helped his servant Israel,
in remembrance of his mercy,
according to the promise he made to our ancestors,
to Abraham and to his descendants for ever.'
May we be able to praise Christ as his mother did, and intentionally continue to do so.
Have a blessed Christmastide
Peace
Dean
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Short links
http://www.albandys.org.uk/go/intentional
http://www.albandys.org.uk/go/945