As we enter this last week of Advent, I find myself thinking a lot about the incredible love of God, not the crucifixion but the incarnation, not the death of Christ but rather the birth. I am awed today as I think about this ultimate act of love.
God never comes to us in obtrusive, aggressive, judgmental ways but always like a vulnerable infant a newborn child who beckons to us with an offer of love that seeks to be loved in return. In the birth of Jesus we see the childlike God who comes to us and to all the world as an infant to be loved, and cherished, an infant who does not seek to control but rather to shape and change through the sharing of love.
The birth of Jesus teaches us that loving others means entering their world and being willing to meet them where they are at, listening to them, accepting them, allowing their attitudes to shape us. Jesus did not expect those around him to immediately enter his world – the kingdom of God world where love and peace and generosity reigned. He did not condemn them for not living by God’s loving ways. Jesus teaches us to offer love that is patient, kind, generous and forgiving as God, in Christ offered us.
What was the ultimate act of God’s love and how do we grapple with that as we live our lives in God’s world?
God’s ultimate act of love, I think, was not giving Jesus up on the cross but giving Jesus to be born amongst us. God not only allowed him to be born as a vulnerable infant but rejoiced at his birth. God willingly let go of control aware that this loving act would ultimately end in suffering and death. Yet through that act of God’s love a new world, a world of love was birthed into ours.
Surely the birth of Jesus teaches us that love means vulnerability. Love means giving our lives so that new expressions of God’s love can be birthed in the world around us. The infant Jesus, the childlike God is here in our midst, begging to be loved, and to be nurtured into wholeness.
It’s a beautiful, chilly day here in Hood River, Oregon. I’m looking out my window at a fresh blanket of snow and dreaming of a white Christmas. Meanwhile, Tom and Christine Sine are half-way around the world visiting family and friends in Australia. They’ll be recieving this email while basking in what’s forcast to be a 91 degree F afternoon (32.8 C) while I’m sleeping with temperatures outside hovering around 10 degrees F (-12 C).
Whatever your Christmas looks like, whether it’s winter or summer, white or green, cold, hot, or somewhere in between, all of us at Mustard Seed Associates wish you a joy-filled celebration of the birth of our Lord.
We are thankful for each one of you, our family and friends all around the world. As mustard seeds in God’s garden, we celebrate your presence where you are, your partnership with us, and the beautiful global community we create together.
May God’s shalom, made flesh in Jesus, fill your home and community with joy and hope.
— Andy
Greetings from Australia
Christmas greetings from Australia, where Tom and I are visiting friends and family in Sydney and Melbourne. I am amazed at how many of the people we have talked to rely on Godspace resources for church services, personal devotions and retreats.
I am overwhelmed by the incredible impact of the website. It is a lifeline for many around the world. Thank you for considering supporting MSA and helping us grow this important resource into the future.
— Christine and Tom
by Joy Lenton
by Thomas Mühl Image from Pixabay Click Photo for original.
How is light revealed when godliness lies concealed? A tiny newborn baby seems too small to bear the weight of glory concealed within. We discover, little by little, in the unfolding of His story in our history, as Jesus reveals wisdom beyond His years and grows to adult maturity.
It is seen through the living out of His divine calling via ministry, miracles and mystery, through scorn, mockery, derision and misunderstanding from others. It remains unshaken, despite multiple flesh wounds inflicted on Him from harsh skin flaying, a thorn-pierced head, speared side and nail-stretched limbs receiving the searing cut of crucifixion.
It’s in love bleeding out like blood, a humble, servant heart, willing, sacrificial surrender and dying to self that Christ’s true identity is revealed. We are awe-struck by God’s amazing love revealed in sacrifice, and we also face the daily challenge of dying to self in living for Christ, as we seek to yield to God’s will rather than our own.
In suffering the numerous scars etched into our lives by painful experience, we slowly begin to leak Jesus in Holy Spirit-enabled bearing up, patient endurance and surrender to a higher power. Every wound we receive internally, each broken part of our shattered lives and hurting hearts can become a beautiful thing whereby the grace of God filters through like sunlight-dappled leaves.
Because light reflects best from souls honed and polished like diamonds—the formerly dark carbon now glinting bright with glory rays, reflecting splinters of God’s Light as it radiates strong from broken lives made new in Jesus.
Made manifest
Artlessness of human flesh contains
pure animation of art and faith
as God-Creator now curates himself
in mankind’s guise, wearing his
divinity gossamer-fine, a Light
barely perceptible to our eyes
Bathed in beauty from another
realm—covered too in ache
of earth, while break of blood
spills freely at his birth
and pain itself paves the way
for entrance of holy Mystery
Our universe unearthed straight
to the heart, as its beating pulse
takes on an infant’s rhythmic
rigour. Life himself made manifest
when godliness inhabits flesh, with
sacred and secular joined flush together
©joylenton2016
Like John the Baptist, we, too, can readily point people to the One who lances, binds up and heals our deepest wounds, offers comfort and deep soul solace, paves a pathway through pain and provides eternal Hope while we battle in the here and now. We make our Saviour manifest by being Jesus-with-skin-on for others, bearing their burdens, coming alongside to offer encouragement, comfort and prayer, a hand to hold and a soul to confide in.
The brightness of Jesus shines forth like a welcoming beacon, a lighthouse for the drowning, a way-station for weary travellers along life’s dusty highway. It’s a light that can never be extinguished, one we carry like faltering candlewicks within, knowing it glows beyond our awareness or ability to see it.
Advent is an invitation to taste this deep Mystery, to hold on to the flickering light within as we seek a closer encounter with the Light and Love of Christ Himself, being mindful of why He came while we celebrate all it means to us today.
“And we need images and symbols to help us understand the mystery of God’s love for us. Incarnation’s revelation is a song to be sung, a poem to be recited, a new language to be ‘learned by heart’” – ‘Travelling Light: Your Journey to Wholeness – A Book of Breathers to Inspire You Along The Way’ – Daniel O’Leary
This post is part of our reflections for Advent 2016.
Painting by Trudy Gomez inspired by The Magnificat and these words … Mary said,“My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior”
Andy Wade –
Ruach
God breathes into the void
Whispering peace into chaos
Light into darkness
Substance from nothingness
Divine likeness from earth
Ruach
Divine presence in the womb
Substance from human frailty
Light into darkness
Whispering love into chaos
God breathes, filling the void
Ruach
AFWade 12/13/2016
Ruach (roo’-akh) is a Hebrew word meaning “breath”, “wind”, or “spirit”. It is found in the creation story and its Greek counterpart, pneuma, is found in the New Testament.
This post is part of our reflections for Advent 2016.
Holiday shopping can be stressful. Long lines, crowded malls, and long lists can add to the stress. We have all felt the pressure of expectations, finances and time when trying to complete our shopping for friends and families. What if we could change the narrative of holiday shopping to one less driven by consumerism and stress to a narrative of inviting Jesus into our homes? What if we could invite Jesus into our homes through the act of giving gifts that give back to others and protect our environment?
In this spirit, I have compiled a list of shopping resources and brands that either directly benefit vulnerable populations around the world or help to protect our environment through sustainable production practices. I hope you take the time this holiday season to consider the impact of the gifts you give and the life that they can bring
WOMEN
- Same Thread– For the Boho babe in all of us (had to put a plug in somewhere!)
- Mata Traders– Vintage silhouettes with a modern twist
- Alternative Apparel – Stylish basics for men and women
- Slumlove Sweater Co. – Knitwear perfect for layering
- Delikate Rayne – Uber stylish, cruelty free, luxury clothing
- People Tree UK – Simple silhouettes with an edge
- Della LA – Beautiful patterns and shapes for the urban nomad
- Reformation – Seriously sexy sustainable fashion
- Mitla Moda – Breezy dresses and tops by artisans in Mexico
SHOES
- Fortress of Inca – Beautiful booties handcrafted in Peru
- Nisolo – Luxury leather shoes for men and women
- Sseko – Sandals and summer vibes
- Nicora– Sustainably made boots, sandals and flats
MEN
- Zady – Stylish , organic button down, coats and sweaters
- AG Jeans– High quality, ethically produced denim is a variety of fits and washes
- Modavanti – Ethically made and eco-friendly clothing and accessories
- Pact – High quality organic underwear, undershirts and socks
- Nau – Seattle based company specializing in PNW inspired jackets
- Apolis – Everything from swim to shoes sources from ethical producers around the world
GIFTS & ACCESSORIES
- Hiptipico – Seriously beautiful accessories and gifts made by Mayan Artisans
- Moorea Seal – Modern gifts and accessories with a portion of all proceeds going to nonprofits
- Soko – Simple and modern jewelry made by artisans in the developing world
- American Nomad – Ethically made and socially conscious accessories and home decor
- Bishop Collective – Killer jewelry and accessories made by American artisans
- Joyn India – Ethically produced bags and accessories handmade in India
- 31 Bits – Jewelry hand crafted by artisans in Bali and Uganda
- Amani Africa – Accessories and gifts by African artisans
- My Sister – Statement tees to combat sex trafficking
KIDS & BABY
- All Good Living Kids – Adorable screen printed, fair trade shirts and onesies
- Wildly Co. – Modern and stylish basics for kids
- Kate Quinn Organics – Organic clothing for baby and kids
- Finn + Emma – Toys and pjs made with organic materials by artisans in India and Peru
- Penguin Organics – Essentials such as blankets and bibs with a commitment to fair trade
- Pact Baby – Super cute patterned socks and onesies for your little
- From Babies with Love – All profits go to help abandoned children around the world. Need we say more?
- Mini Miochi– For the most stylish babes in town
HOME
- The Little Market – Handmade decorative pillow cases and home decor made by artisans
- Maven Collection – Beautiful, unique pieces from around the world
- Accompany – Dreamy decor to create a unique space
- Rose & Fitzgerald – Modern pieces with a boho flair
- St. Frank – Decor utilizing beautiful textiles to add comfort and joy to your space
- Sukha – Whimsical artwork, furniture and decor
- Ten Thousand Villages – Unique home accents made by international artisans
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by Lynne Baab
Public Domain, Click image for original.
It was a very dark December morning in Linköping, Sweden. My kids’ preschool had invited all the parents to come to breakfast to celebrate Santa Lucia Day, and the breakfast was very early because some of the parents needed to go to work. I was not a morning person, and I felt groggy when we walked into the preschool and took our places at a festive table with candles, red decorations and bowls of porridge. After breakfast, we watched a pageant unfold, with children singing and a girl with electric candles on her head.
My kids are now in their thirties, so this memory comes from many years ago, during the year my husband did research in Sweden. In my blurry memory, the dark outside the big windows contrasts with the bright tables. I was very aware of both the dark morning and the light inside.
Here’s a description of Santa Lucia Day (or Saint Lucy Day) from a Christmas website:
St Lucia was a young Christian girl who was martyred, killed for her faith, in 304. The most common story told about St Lucia is that she would secretly bring food to the persecuted Christians in Rome, who lived in hiding in the catacombs under the city. She would wear candles on her head so she had both her hands free to carry things. Lucy means “light” so this is a very appropriate name.
December 13th was also the Winter Solstice, the shortest day of the year, in the old Julian Calendar, and a pagan festival of lights in Sweden was turned into St. Lucia’s Day.
St. Lucia’s Day is now celebrated by a girl dressing in a white dress with a red sash round her waist and a crown of candles on her head. Small children use electric candles but from about 12 years old, real candles are used!
The themes of light and dark are very real to me at Christmas because I now live in New Zealand, in the Southern Hemisphere. At Christmas, the days here in Dunedin are light until ten p.m. Lighting candles to welcome the Christ Child is irrelevant, because the candles’ light is invisible in the light of the sun.
When we moved to New Zealand nine years ago, I found Christmas totally disorienting: all the light, warmth, picnics, summer fruit and fresh vegetables. Now I see the light in the sky as a sign of God’s light, made real to us in Jesus, just as powerful an image as candles shining in the darkness.
Every day we choose whether we will live in light and let God’s light shine in us and through us. Every day we can bring our darkness to God for cleansing and renewal, and we can choose God’s light once more.
God’s business is light. I love the picture of Santa Lucia wearing candles on her head, so she could bring food to prisoners in the catacombs. I grieve the darkness they were imprisoned in, and the darkness of the society that imprisoned them.
This week on the Godspace blog we’re focusing on entering our city with Jesus. Today I invite you to thank God for the people and congregations you know who are bringing God’s light into your city. Maybe they don’t wear candles on their heads, but the picture of Santa Lucia works well as a metaphor for God’s light encountering the darkness of poverty, addiction, joblessness and other sad things.
Today I’m thanking God for a city council woman in my Dunedin church and a city council man in my Seattle church. Both of them try to bring God’s light into city government. I pray for both of them, for wisdom, patience, perseverance and love. Today I’m also thanking God for a ministry my Dunedin congregation supports in a low-income neighborhood and for a weekly dinner for low-income and homeless people my Seattle congregation puts on. I’m praying for the people involved in those ministries. May they all have an awareness of God’s light as their hands engage in work that fights the darkness.
This post is part of the 2016 Advent series.
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