April Fools?

"Does the passage remain open?" you might ask, or is this the death of another blog? Is anyone still there?

Wow...2007!

Happy New Year! Please forgive me, eager readers, for losing track of time. It seems I was swept away in the "yule-tide" and only lasted six days into advent. My new year's resolution will be to double my posts from last year, so you can look forward to 12 days of advent this coming Christmas. Hooray! I'll be back....

Day 6

"This Jesus of Nazareth, without money and arms conquered more millions than Alexander, Caesar, Mohammed, and Napoleon."
- Phillip Schaff

Do not be afraid; for see - I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people.

- Luke 2:10

Day 5

Now there was a man in Jerusalem called Simeon, who was righteous and devout. He was waiting for the consolation of Israel, and the Holy Spirit was upon him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not die before he had seen the Lord's Christ. Moved by the Spirit, he went into the temple courts. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to do for him what the custom of the Law required, Simeon took him in his arms and praised God saying:

"Sovereign Lord, as you have promised, you now dismiss your servant in peace. For my eyes have seen your salvation which you have prepared in the sight of all people, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel."

- Luke 2:25-32

I don't know if this is story would be considered a part of advent as it is celebrated tradtionally (being that it occurs eight days after the birth of Jesus) but I love Simeon's story. I often think of what it must have been like for that old man and faithful servant of God to, at the end of his own life, bear witness with his own eyes, the Christ child...the salvation of the world. What a hope and peace he must have found in that moment.

Day 4

Today, I learned that the color of advent is "purple." This is the color of pentinence and fasting as well as the color of royalty to welcome the advent of the king. Purple is still used in catholic churches and is also the color of suffering used during lent. This points to the important connection between Jesus' birth and death and the purpose of Jesus coming into the world (the word became flesh).

Day 3

You shall call His name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins.

- Matt 1:21

What does this name hold for you? Many curse this name not knowing the person of Christ, who's name has been lifted above all names, at whose name every knee will one day bow. May the name of Jesus be glorified by those who love Him today until the day when every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.

Day 2

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the One and Only, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

John 1:14

Send a message to the tribes of all nations
Jesus Christ is the light of hope for their salvation
Rise up O children of the living God
above the pain and suffering
and shine the light of love
Time passes by
it flickers like a fading light
Jesus knocks upon the door
waiting for his bride to arise.

Timothy