Second Lord's Day Sunday In Advent

On this solemn Lord’s Day Sunday, we come with truth, grace and mercy in our Incarnate God whose Living Word is forever true and real. We come mindful of the lavishness of our Heavenly Father’s Love, poured out upon us at Advent – His First Coming.

May the Holy Spirit, even now, grant us grace, through our submissive and surrendered lives, to be like those shepherds long ago. They were in the darkness of night. They were in the fields, away from home. They were exposed to the elements and the night-prowlers, with only their man-made fire providing light, warmth and comfort for where they were, at the time they were there. It was in those conditions that God chose to send His message of peace.

Now, we have been taken to another translation, as we ponder what is written about the Good News, which the heavenly hosts brought to the shepherds and all humankind. And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. Luke 2: 13 – 14 KJV.

All along, we have been focused on peace, but here we have good will promised to us, as recorded by the King James Version.

But, as we asked at the end of the first week in Advent, where are we in our belief, of all that the angels have told about what is now to be on earth? May I draw us back to the fact that if we believe that God came incarnate; if we accept that Jesus is God in human flesh; if we know, by faith and accept this about Virgin Mary, for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost, Matthew 1: 20b KJV; if we believe, accept and know beyond any doubt, that while she and Joseph, the man to whom she was betrothed, were in David’s City, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son. Luke 2: 6 - 7a, KJV, then you, I and all Christians, must be constrained to this truth about Jesus’ First Coming. His Presence into the world brings peace and goodwill and all its fruit.

Nevertheless, this fact of truth has eluded, continues to elude and will continue to elude many, because, hate, with all its mighty forces – greed, envy, jealousy, anger, rage, selfishness, pride, idolatry and utter wickedness - is strong, and perpetually makes a mockery of the angels' proclamation of peace on earth, good will to all people.

Instead, even now, on this day and in this hour, ill will is what is being spread through our times, and good will seems to be beaten down and laid to reside in a tiny corner of life.

In this unhidden light, therefore, this week has been dedicated to all people, for whom the coming of Jesus has brought more pain, sadness, grief and atrocious evils, as never before experienced. It is primarily for all who are receiving ill will.

We shall revisit once again, some unbelievable sadness at what happened during that first Advent and how such pain and suffering have continued throughout history, up to our present age.