A Vivid Advent Image
There is something about the various depictions of Santa Claus across the spectrum of movies and books. When I think of Santa Claus the image that sorts its way to the top of my mind is from the movie, Polar Express. Both gigantic and almost frightening but at the same time compassionate and aware. The bright colors of his suit contrast the dark sky illuminating a vivid image. I can hear the powerful but gentle voice as he pulls the young narrator into the sleigh. It is one of those moments that fills you with wonder and yet heightens your sensations.
As we read through Revelation this month, I continue to come back to John’s description of Jesus in the first chapter. While reading this section, try to imagine what John illustrates.
“When I turned to see who was speaking to me, I saw seven gold lampstands. And standing in the middle of the lampstands was someone like the Son of Man. He was wearing a long robe with a gold sash across his chest. His head and his hair were white like wool, as white as snow. And his eyes were like flames of fire. His feet were like polished bronze refined in a furnace, and his voice thundered like mighty ocean waves. He held seven stars in his right hand, and a sharp two-edged sword came from his mouth. And his face was like the sun in all its brilliance.”
Doesn’t that image just jump out in the same sense of wonder, causing a heightened sensation? I can see the servant-King standing backdropped in the beauty of the night sky with the stars exalting his name. While I could go into deep details of the significance of each description, I don’t want to ruin this matchless illustration. Take a moment and re-read this section and then close your eyes and allow your imagination to paint a vibrant and awe-inspiring picture. (Are you re-reading?)
This season we naturally, with good reason, look back at the vulnerable humble baby in a feeding trough and gasp in beauty and awe. But the image above is what stirs the soul, heightening our awareness of the suffering around us and erupts from within a cry of “How long, O Lord!” While the chaos and darkness often suffocate the beauty around us this image strikes at the clutches and says, “It has been done and will be done soon! Hold on…Blessed is the one who overcomes!” Just as the image of Santa in Polar Express brilliantly contrasts the night, Jesus’ victorious image diverges from the suffocating fright.
I haven’t even gotten to the best part. John falls at his feet in fear and then… “Jesus laid his right hand on me and said, ‘Don’t be afraid! I am the First and the Last. I am the living one. I died but look –I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and the grave.’” In this brilliant vision and experience Jesus did what He always does and will continue to do, reached out (or came down) to John (and us) and comforted because HE LOVES US. No greater love than that moment. All fullness and power in that moment and Jesus was mindful and took the time to comfort. Now that is a vivid picture to comfort in any time! Therefore, advent draws our attention to the night sky that is darkened by the brokenness and pain all around us. In that same manner, Advent highlights the vivid image of Jesus contrasting the darkness and offers Hope, Peace, Love-Acceptance, and Joy. To move through advent is to let yourself be in caught up in Awe and Wander as you look, reflect, and worship the Brilliance and Vibrant King, Jesus.
