An Advent Reflection by Ruth-Aimée Belonni-Rosario
God is not God of the dead, but of the living
2Thessalonians 2:1-5, 13-17; Luke 20: 38
God is not a God of the dead, but of the living. The ending of this passage is charged with a lot of sentiments and ideas. God is a God of the living, not the dead. What does it mean for believers to have a God who is a God of the living and not the dead? That in itself is kind of an absurd question, right? Well, throughout history and throughout the development of civilizations, the idea or concept of a deity, of the divine was limited to our stay on earth, to our lifetime here on earth, in this world. Therefore, the idea of a god, of a deity helped civilizations and human beings behavior being monitored, controlled, predictable, and at many times, competitive.
All religions, sects, and different movements have come up with ways to relate to something higher than their own, to name some unseen and unexplainable force. During the formation and development of the Hebrew people, the name of YHWH was given to God almighty, creator of heaven and earth. The Ego Eimi, the I am, that I am God was named. God above of all gods, the only God, the one who created us, the one who gave us forgiveness of sins and life eternal in the person of Jesus the Christ, the one who guide us and console us through the Holy Spirit.
The idea of having an all mighty, all powerful God was scary and a threat for other groups and communities. And to top all of that, this God in his eternal divine plan strips from all his glory and honor, comes to our world, dwells in our midst taking the form of a human being, dies innocently in a cross like a criminal, at the third day resurrects from the dead, and ascended into heaven to live eternally with this amazing God. Not only that, he promises that whoever believes in him will have the same fate, forgiveness of sins and life eternal in the presence of God almighty.
I don’t know about you but this idea appears to be rather appealing and appalling at the same time. The question is, is it true? Can there be something after death? Can there be life after death? These are legitimate questions, questions that for centuries have sparked debate. But we can leave the theme about resurrection for another time. The theme that concerns us at this time is the wonderful season of advent.
Advent is a season of waiting, of expectancy, hope. But advent is also a time for reflection, introspection, and preparation. The author of the second letter to the Thessalonians is warning and exhorting the people in Thessalonica to not be quickly shaken or be disturbed either by a spirit or a message to the effect that the day of the Lord has come. Let no one in any way deceive you.
As the years pass, the church grows weary of waiting for the return of the Lord.
Believers have waited for more than a thousand years for the coming of our Lord. As days, years, decades, centuries, and even millenniums passed, it seems that the church grows weary. Instead of continuing preparing the way of the Lord, the church seems to forget, through their actions and behavior that God is still coming to redeem God’s entire creation. Many times I feel as if we are in need of the apostle’s words to the Thessalonians: let no one deceive you, do not be shaken, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught, whether by word of mouth or letter from us.
We in the church do not wait for “Baby Jesus”.
Advent is a wonderful season, but we are not waiting for “baby Jesus” any longer. “Baby Jesus” came, dwelled in our midst, grew, died, resurrected, and ascended. The world saw God’s glory manifested and revealed in the person of Jesus the Christ. The church is called to celebrate advent by reflecting on the church’s actions and behaviors towards others. We, the church, are called to be like John the Baptist, and prepare the way of the Lord, to repent from our doubts, disbeliefs, maltreatment to the “least of these.” Now is not the time to be distracted by the superficial meaning and celebration of Christmas and Advent created and dictated by consumerism and social standards of our time. Now is not the time to let the world, politicians, famous people, even misleading religious leaders and else dictate what Advent and Christmas is all about. Now is the time for the church to take action, to demonstrate to the world that we indeed are people who have experience the gift of love by our creator, God Almighty, the gift of grace, redemption, and salvation in Jesus Christ, and the gift of compassion, comfort, fellowship, and communion through the Holy Spirit.
May we be able to proclaim and live lives that attest to the truth of a God who is not a God of the dead, but of the living; of a God who is love and merciful; of a God who is compassionate and seeks out fellowship. May God help us to live out Advent, to proclaim and prepare the way of the Lord. Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, God, our Father, and the Holy Spirit, who has loved us and given us eternal comfort and good hope by grace, comfort and strengthen our hearts in every good work and word. Amen.