As Catholics, we believe that the birth of Jesus not only fulfilled an ancient prophesy, but that it also turned the world upside down; nothing could ever be the same.
Jews of Jesus' time, familiar with the prophecy, had to decide for themselves whether or not it had been fulfilled. Herod certainly believed it, more out of fear than faith, leading to murderous results.
Then there were the three Wise Men, remote not only by religion but also by geography, who relied on their knowledge of astrology to divine what Jesus' birth could mean. And having used the tools at their disposal to conclude without a doubt that he was the King of Kings, they made a months-long journey to Bethlehem to honor him with gifts.
All of those people had to decide what was true for them, and how it would lead them to act.
During Advent, we celebrate because we already know the truth about Jesus' identity. Still, Advent is the perfect time to weigh this truth against news headlines that are disturbing or bleak, and to examine our own unconscious beliefs about what change we, empowered by that truth, can effect in the world.
South African poet, cleric and activist Allan Boesak sums it up perfectly in his poem, Advent Credo:
It is not true that creation and the human family are doomed to destruction and loss --
This is true: For God so loved the world that He gave his only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.
It is not true that we must accept inhumanity and discrimination, hunger and poverty, death and destruction --
This is true: I have come that they may have life, and that abundantly.
It is not true that violence and hatred should have the last word, and that war and destruction rule forever --
This is true: Unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given, and the government shall be upon his shoulder, his name shall be called wonderful councilor, mighty God, the Everlasting, the Prince of peace.
It is not true that we are simply victims of the powers of evil who seek to rule the world --
This is true: To me is given authority in heaven and on earth, and lo I am with you, even until the end of the world.
It is not true that we have to wait for those who are specially gifted, who are the prophets of the Church before we can be peacemakers --
This is true: I will pour out my spirit on all flesh and your sons and daughters shall prophesy, your young men shall see visions and your old men shall have dreams.
It is not true that our hopes for liberation of humankind, of justice, of human dignity of peace are not meant for this earth and for this history --
This is true: The hour comes, and it is now, that the true worshipers shall worship God in spirit and in truth.
So let us enter Advent in hope, even hope against hope. Let us see visions of love and peace and justice. Let us affirm with humility, with joy, with faith, with courage: Jesus Christ -- the life of the world. |
