God is With Us
To be called "simple" is not usually a compliment. Yet one dictionary
defines the word as meaning plain, honest and intelligible. So maybe it's
not such a bad thing to be. Nevertheless, somehow we feel suspicious when
something seems too simple. "Where is the catch?" we ask ourselves.
It is almost as though we need some elaborate complexities before we can accept
it.
Jesus understood this human weakness very well. Throughout his life he
used simple illustrations to reveal God's plans. He used the corn, a
relaxed meal with friends, fishing and wine-making, so vividly and
effectively. Yet the Scribes and Pharisees constantly asked, "What's the
catch?" each time they encountered him.
Simplicity is at the heart of Christ's message, "Your heavenly Father
loves you as you are", no strings, no catch. Even if we turn away or do
not believe this, he still loves us.
During the weeks of Advent, we listen to many rousing prophecies about the
coming of the Messiah. At the end of this season we are presented with a
little baby. The baby Jesus might appear too simple a solution to the
problems of God's people. "What's the catch?" we may ask.
Christ's birth is the celebration of the great Emmanuel (God is with us)
mystery. And God is with us so that we may know that we are infinitely
loveable. To come as a baby was his first and greatest lesson to us, for
it teaches us the most important lessons of all about God's attitude
towards us.
A child is full of freshness and trusting love. Its eyes are to the future
- to growing up. Unspoilt by prejudice or bitterness, each child is a new
beginning. A child's loving confidence can make the greatest villain think
again, and it can bring new life to the old and weary.
But the greatest lesson is one which we have all experienced when we have
stretched out a tentative finger to a new baby - he or she grasps it with
an uncanny strength. Stretch out just one finger to the Lord this
Christmas and he will take strong hold of you for as long as you let him.
© Liguori Publications
Excerpt from Advent - A Quality Storecupboard The Congregation of the Most Holy Redeemer
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