When I think of Advent, I think of a big wooden door -- like maybe one found on a cathedral, or a monastery, or maybe just an old ancient inn. I imagine Jesus on the other side of it ... knocking.
My heart beats faster. I imagine a key turning the lock ... I hear the lock release ... then I see the knob beginning to turn, and I know that it is the hand of my Lord turning it from the other side. I realize I'm about to come face to face with Him. Can you feel the excitement of it? Can you sense the anticipation? That's what Advent season is all about!
Debrah commented yesterday: "'Luke 1:15, For he shall be great in the sight of the Lord, and shall drink neither wine nor strong drink; and he shall be filled with the Holy Ghost, even from his mother's womb.' Last month Elizabeth and Mary were the topic of our Women of The Bible Discussion..when I read Luke I was impressed by how involved the Holy Ghost was in the lives of Mary, Zacharias, Elizabeth, John and Jesus. I'd only thought of the Holy Ghost in terms of relationship as being after Pentecost."
Terrific point to bring out, Debrah. It illustrates the fact that one cannot fulfill God's purposes without the help of His Spirit. That's true of even the "great ones" of the faith. Through out the Old Testament when someone was used to advance God's will -- be it Moses, or Samson, or Samuel, or Saul, or David, or Elisha, etc. -- the Bible says that the Spirit of the Lord came upon him. (Check out Judges 14:5-6, Judges 14:19, I Sam. 10:1-10, I Sam. 16:13, II Kings 2:9-15 for examples.)
Matthew 1:20-23 (NLT)
As he considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream. “Joseph, son of David,” the angel said, “do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife. For the child within her was conceived by the Holy Spirit. And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” All of this occurred to fulfill the Lord’s message through his prophet: “Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’”
2 Samuel 7:13 (NLT)
"He is the one who will build a house—a temple—for my name. And I will secure his royal throne forever."
These doors are just breathtaking. I can invision them all in picture frames on my wall. What an awesome reflection of the various doors He has us enter. But the greatest gift for us all will be when we open the door to see Him face-to-face. I so want ot be filled with the Holy Spirit...daily.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing Advent in this way.
Blessings!
In His Graces~Pamela
Rachel,
ReplyDeleteI agree the doors are so beautiful. Several years ago we had a family portrait made in front of beautiful wooden doors. When I look at that picture I will remember your post and how it encourages me to give thanks for the way God loves us so individually.
Hope you and your family are well
This is a great way to count down the days to the birth of our Saviour! Your imagery is so powerful!
ReplyDeleteFor today, I ponder Joseph; what a great man of faith he was! Imagine the fear he had of the persecusion he and his family would face if he took Mary to be his wife! Imagine the awe he must have felt in being the earthly father of a son directly from his Heavenly Father! How could he possibly raise this child? What could his gift be to the Son? We don't hear much about Joseph in the Bible, but we see the imprint of him in the New Testament all the same. He and Mary had other children, both sons and daughters. Jesus was recognized as "the carpenter's son" in his early ministry. Joseph's care for Jesus the child is recorded in the flight to egypt and the search for the missing Jesus in the Temple.
Joseph is the silent witness in the life of Jesus. So many of us are more comfortable in that role as Christians. We don't take the stage, we don't want the limelight, we won't be nominated for awards for our charismatic impact on the world, but we quietly serve, support, and love in the name of Jesus and to the glory of God our Father.
Thanks for the time to ponder Joseph!
Blessings to you all this Advent season!
-Karen
Today in my own bible study I read Isaiah 9:6 "For to us a child is born, to us a son is given and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counseler, Mighty God Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace". Rachel, your posts and my personal bible study really help me to focus on what's important this season. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Deb
I am really loving this Rachel...thank you for doing this. It is really keeping me focused on the "REAL reason of the season".
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post and I look forward to the day the door is open and I can walk in and see my Heavenly Father, my Savior and the sweet, sweet Holy Spirit who gave me life, spared my life twice and is still my rock to lean on.
ReplyDeleteAliceE.
Rachel,
ReplyDeleteI'm new to your blog. I found you via Pamela's. I just read the three Advent posts you did and I'm enjoying this very much.
This is an exciting time as we think about the precious and most beautiful gift we've been given -- JESUS.
Blessings and peace!
Lisa
All of this occurred to fulfill the Lord’s message through his prophet: “Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God is with us.’”
ReplyDeleteI love how this points back to Scripture...Jesus often referred to scripture when tempted He replied -It is written-
Jesus fulfilled the prophecy of a savior.
So often today people receive prophets without referring to scripture.
If Jesus who is the word would stand on scripture...so should we lest we be tempted or deceived.
Rachel
ReplyDeleteThanks again for your post. Always so insightfull.
Lynn