Instructions?!?
We are entering the season that will test all of our patience especially when it comes to assembling children’s gifts. In our past renderings of Christmas day moments, I remember being frustrated when the construction was left to my imagination because the box was void of instructions. Nothing says Merry Christmas like the frustration of not only batteries not included but instructions. In the same manner, trying to navigate without the right tools or map to find our way, feelings of angst and hopelessness become your traveling partners.
What I most appreciate about the Advent season is the intentional focus on life’s journey. It slows us down, giving us time to become even more aware of the path we are on and value every step we have taken. This includes the struggle through the dark passages as well as the uplifting joyous moments. There are moments where you feel completely ill-equipped for the situation that faces you and all you can do is manage to get by praying you will survive. Whether it is facing a new challenge at work, an unwanted health diagnosis, relational division in your house, or maybe an emotional breakdown that leads to depression, these moments do not come with the instructions to make it through.
While they don’t include instructions, we are reminded during this season that we have something better. Emmanuel. God in the flesh. The whole purpose of Jesus coming was to sit with us during these moments. The author of Hebrews says, “Because Jesus, himself, endured through suffering and testing, he is able to help us when we are suffering.” Life is uncertain and constantly shifting from every decision and action made by you and the rest of humanity. In reality, instructions would not even work! What does work and been proven through the annals of time is falling back on Christ. He understands and is patient and good. Ultimately, Jesus does not want to burden you but to give life and support you on this epic journey called life.
You don’t have the answers or the instructions to any of this madness unfurling before us. While you may not realize this, you do have everything needed to keep going. Listen to what Peter reminds the church in persecution in his second letter, “By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of his by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. And because of his glory and excellence, he has given us great and precious promises. These are the promises that enable you to share in his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires (1:3-4).”
My friend, YOU have a Brother, King, and Redeemer that has committed himself to you. He sits right next to you in suffering and confusion. If that isn’t enough, Jesus sent us the Spirit to comfort, strengthen, and guide us when there is no light or when we are lacking the instruction or directions to move forward. You are NOT ill-equipped or doomed to fail. You have all you need in Christ. Take a breath. Look up, feel/know, and take confidence because you can do this. Emmanuel is enough. While the world and reason may tell you differently (but look at the state they are in so why believe them?!) Jesus is truly enough, and you are not alone on this journey. The reason for Advent is to continually evoke the HOPE Emmanuel brings. Stand firm and face whatever is before you because YOU have all you need. Take HOPE and keep going!
