EMMANUEL"GOD WITH US" By ANOSIKE PATRICKMARY

 GOOD EVENING MY BROTHERS AND SISTERS IN CHRIST

Introduction 

I will like us to dwell on the great insight of the great King Solomon in the book of Proverbs 8:26-33 before diving into our reflection proper.

before he had made the earth, the countryside, and the first elements of the world.

When he fixed the heavens firm, I was there, when he drew a circle on the surface of the deep, when he thickened the clouds above, when the sources of the deep began to swell, when he assigned the sea its boundaries -- and the waters will not encroach on the shore -- when he traced the foundations of the earth, I was beside the master craftsman, delighting him day after day, ever at play in his presence, at play everywhere on his earth, delighting to be with the children of men.

And now, my children, listen to me. Happy are those who keep my ways.

Listen to instruction and become wise, do not reject it.

This is a deep insight given to Solomon the King of Israel in His contemplation. He was made to understand the mind and desire of God before the creation of the world.

It has always been in the mind of God to live among men even before the creation of the entire universe. what I am trying to say is that the purpose of God sending His only son into the world is not just for the redemption of man from sin but to be with man instilling the life of God among them by teaching them as well as showing them by example using His own son to establish His kingdom on earth. 

Man was created deliberately insufficient by God in order for Him to find expression through man. Man is a combination of dust(flesh) and the spirit of God (rûaḥ 'Ĕlōhîm) and for this reason, a great war rages always between the flesh and Spirit, which makes him incapable of achieving the purpose of his existence without the help of God. 

So, this program "Emmanuel God with us" did not just start with the prophecy of prophet Isaiah and Matthew's account of the gospel but has been in the program of God before the creation of the world. God knew how He is going to make man, He also knew that we are weak and can do nothing without His help hence His program "Emmanuel God with us" as was narrated by Solomon in the book of proverbs.

This Advent I have been pondering the challenges that faced a young woman from Nazareth, likely only a teenager. Engaged to a carpenter in her hometown, Mary received a visit from an angel who told her she would become pregnant by the Holy Spirit and bear a son, who would be named Jesus.

After this visit by the angel, Mary faced many challenges and difficult days.

Having become pregnant out of wedlock, she would have been scorned and shunned by many in her family and religious community.

When her fiancé, Joseph, discovered that his bride-to-be was expecting a child, he “planned to dismiss her quietly” and break off their engagement. But an angel told him not to be afraid and to take Mary as his wife.

Then the very pregnant Mary had to travel with Joseph across 70 miles of rough terrain from Nazareth to Bethlehem to register for the Roman census.

When they arrived in Bethlehem the only place the couple found to stay was in a stable with cows, donkeys, goats and sheep.

It was in that cramped barn, surrounded by animals, that Mary gave birth to Jesus without the benefit of a doctor or midwife.

After the trials of pregnancy and labor, Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus had to flee Bethlehem for Egypt to escape the wrath of the jealous King Herod.

Mary and Joseph endured many challenges as the earthly parents of Jesus. But they didn’t endure them alone. They knew from the beginning that Emmanuel (God is with us) would carry them through those difficult and discouraging days in their lives.

We, too, live in difficult and discouraging days. Racial injustice and conflict causing death and destruction in many of our cities. Hardship as a result of bad governance, Political conflict causing deep divisions even among family members and friends. Difficulties in our spiritual lives and challenges that comes with struggles towards holiness of life.

In difficult and discouraging days like these, we need to remember that God is with us (Emmanuel), just as God was with Mary and Joseph in the midst of their challenges.

The Eucharist is God with us (Emmanuel). There are many ways Christ is present to His people and sets us free.

 

Christ is present to the Church…

when she prays

as she performs her works of mercy

as she moves along on her pilgrimage with a longing to reach the portals of eternal life

as she preaches, since the Gospel which she proclaims is the word of God

as she rules and governs the People of God

as she offers the Sacrifice of the Mass in His name

as she administers the sacraments

in a way that surpasses all the others. It is His presence in the Sacrament of the Eucharist. This presence is called “par excellence” and is thus titled “real”.

 

More than anywhere else we see “God with us” in the Eucharist, present in every tabernacle throughout the world. It is no mistake that Jesus was born in Bethlehem, the House of Bread, for He is the Bread of Life. It is no mistake that his crib was a manger, for He would say that His flesh is real food and his blood is real drink and at the Last Supper and at every Mass He gives His flesh and blood for the life of the world. The Christmas Collect says it all, “we pray, that we may share in the divinity of Christ, who humbled himself to share in our humanity.” It is in the Eucharist that we share in the divinity of Christ who humbled himself to share in our humanity.

Solomon's insight of God's desire to have His son among us has been fulfilled in the church and in the Eucharist, the prophecies of the prophets has come to pass in the church and in the Eucharist and deficiencies of man has been made sufficient by church and through presence of Jesus Christ in the Eucharist.

My brothers and sisters we have come to the end of today's 

reflection.

Thanks and May God bless you. Amen 

ADVENT THROUGH THE LENS OF THE NATIVITY STORY By: Berchmans Emmanuel

Introduction 

Before engaging the topic let us understand some concepts in the topic, which we shall explain; Advent, Nativity story. 

Advent is a Christian season observed before Christmas that symbolizes the anticipation of the coming of Christ. It begins on the fourth Sunday before Christmas and lasts until Christmas Eve. During Advent, Christians engage in various traditions and practices, such as lighting an Advent wreath, reading daily devotions, and reflecting on the themes of hope, peace, joy, and love.

Similarly, The Nativity story is the biblical account of Jesus Christ's birth found in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke in the New Testament. According to the story, Mary gave birth to Jesus in a stable in Bethlehem, where he was visited by shepherds and wise men who brought gifts. The story symbolizes the incarnation of God's Son, Jesus, who came into the world to bring salvation and reconcile humanity with God.

"Advent through the lens of the nativity story" is a beautiful way to approach the Advent season, which is the period of preparation and anticipation leading up to Christmas. By focusing on the nativity story, you can delve deeper into the meaning and significance of Advent. Here's a suggested approach:

1. Reflect on the anticipation: During Advent, we await with great anticipation for the arrival of Jesus. Let us begin by reflecting on the emotions felt by Mary and Joseph as they awaited the birth of their child. As we consider their journey, let us also contemplate how their faith sustained them during this time of waiting and longing.

2. Embrace the themes of hope, peace, joy, and love: During the season of Advent, every week is linked with a particular theme that bears significance to the nativity story. You can delve into the hope that the birth of Jesus brought to the world, the peace proclaimed by the angels, the joy experienced by the shepherds, and the love shown by Mary and Joseph, and connect them to their respective weeks.

3. Meditate on the characters: Take time to meditate on the various characters in the nativity story. Consider their roles, their reactions, and the lessons they teach us. Reflect on the humility of Mary, the obedience of Joseph, the faith of the shepherds, and the wisdom of the Magi.

4. Connect the Old Testament prophecies: The nativity story is deeply rooted in Old Testament prophecies. Explore how the birth of Jesus fulfills these prophecies and connects the Old Testament promises to the New Testament reality. This can deepen your understanding of the significance of Jesus' birth.

5. Engage in acts of service and kindness: Just as the nativity story is filled with acts of service and kindness, Advent is a time to focus on giving and serving others. Look for opportunities to extend love and compassion to those in need, mirroring the example set by Jesus' birth.

6. Prepare your heart for Christ's coming: Ultimately, Advent is about preparing our hearts to receive Christ. Reflect on the nativity story as a reminder of God's love and grace. Seek to cultivate a spirit of humility, gratitude, and openness to God's presence in your life.

Remember, the nativity story is a powerful reminder of God's love and the hope brought into the world through Jesus' birth. By exploring Advent through this lens, you can deepen your faith and experience the true meaning of Christmas.

Advent and the gifts of the holy Spirit by. Sr. Theresa Ujunnwa Nwali

 Introduction 

The word 'Advent' according to The Oxford English Dictionary is ‘The arrival of a notable person or thing’. It stems from the Latin root, Adventus, which means ‘arrival’ through its root from the word advenire whereby ad – ‘to’ and venire – ‘come’.

For Christians, this arrival is symbolic of the coming of Christ to the world in the form of man, and so the period of Advent marks the patient and expectant build-up to this special moment.

Advent is a time of anticipation and preparation in the Christian liturgical calendar, as believers eagerly await the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ at Christmas. It is a time of reflection, prayer, and hope as Christians remember the incarnation of God's love into the world.

The season of Advent is often observed with the lighting of candles on an Advent wreath, with each candle representing different aspects of the Advent journey: hope, peace, joy, and love. These candles serve as a visual reminder of the spiritual themes of Advent and the coming of Christ into the world

ADVENT AND THE HOLY SPIRIT

During Advent, Christians also reflect on the coming of the Holy Spirit, who played a pivotal role in the birth of Jesus and continues to empower and guide believers today. The Holy Spirit is often associated with the gifts of the spirit, which are described in the Bible as wisdom, understanding, counsel, fortitude, knowledge, piety, and fear of the Lord.

The gifts of the Holy Spirit are seen as essential for living a life of faith and service, as they equip believers with the spiritual resources they need to navigate life's challenges and to live out their calling as followers of Christ. These gifts enable believers to discern God's will, to act with courage and strength, and to serve others with compassion and wisdom.

In the context of Advent, the gift of the Holy Spirit is a reminder of God's presence and guidance in the midst of the waiting and anticipation. It is a source of comfort and strength for believers as they prepare their hearts and minds for the celebration of Christ's birth and as they navigate the challenges and uncertainties of life.

The Holy Spirit also reminds Christians of the ongoing work of God in the world, as it continues to empower and inspire believers to participate in God's mission of love and redemption. It is a reminder of the transformative power of God's spirit at work in the world, bringing healing, reconciliation, and hope to all creation

During Advent, as believers prepare for the arrival of Christ, they also open themselves to the work of the Holy Spirit in their lives, inviting the spirit to guide, shape, and empower them for the journey ahead. Through prayer, reflection, and spiritual practices, believers seek to cultivate a deeper awareness of the Holy Spirit's presence and an openness to its transforming work.

The gift of the Holy Spirit during Advent is a reminder that God is with us, guiding us, sustaining us, and empowering us to live as faithful witnesses to the love and grace of God. It is a source of hope and encouragement as believers wait for the coming of Christ and as they seek to live out their faith in the world.

Conclusion

Ultimately, Advent is a time to prepare our hearts for the coming of Christ, and the gift of the Holy Spirit is an integral part of that preparation. It is a reminder that God is actively at work in our lives and in the world, and it is an invitation to open ourselve. Therefore we can't talk about Advent without mentioning the gilft of the Holy Spirit since the incarnate God who is the second person in the trinitarian formular has to be born and without the coming of Christ then the promised and the prophecy won’t come to pass. The coming of Jesus Christ is to fulfil the word spoke to the mouth of the prophet and was fulfilled by Jesus. During his final stay on earth before his accession he promised to send the paraclete which is the Holy Spirit. So when we prepare to welcome Christ, we prepare to welcome the Holy spirit a

nd it’s gift.

LOOK YAHWEH IS COMING TO SAVE YOU BY NRS. ABANI BERNADETTE AMARACHI

 

Isaiah 62 vs 11

That the LORD is announcing to all the earth: “Tell the people of Jerusalem That the LORD is coming to save you, Bringing with him the people he has rescued.”

The word Advent comes from the Latin word “adventus” which means arrival or coming into place. 

 This season before Christmas is a time to look forward to the coming of Jesus and it is very likely that the first arrival of Jesus that enters your mind is that of the Son of God coming in flesh as that baby born in Bethlehem. This is what Christmas is all about. The second coming is on the Last Day; the Day of Judgment. And there is a third coming, the present coming, the one that is happening even now as Jesus comes to you in His Word and Sacraments.

These are the three main categories of Jesus coming into place that form your meditations during Advent, but in scripture there are many other instances of God coming to be with His people.

Very early in history, when the universe was only six days old, it is a joy when God reveals Himself to His creation. God creates Adam and Eve, and God dwelling with them is a joyful thing. 

But then something happens. God’s arrival is no longer a time of celebration. Genesis 3:8 (ESV) 8 [Adam and Eve] heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and the man and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden.

 It only takes three chapters for mankind to change the coming of God from a time of celebration into a time of hiding and terror. Adam changes the coming of God forever. After this the Bible describes the coming of God with words like “dread,” “darkness,” and “terror.” People react to God’s presence by falling on their faces as dead men. Even when God wants to be with His people in grace, He hides Himself inside the tabernacle and the temple.

The terror of God’s presence is His holiness. As you see His holiness, the true measure of your sin shatters you. Your reaction at the coming of God is to run and hide. The Bible tells us that when Jesus comes to judge on the Last Day, Revelation 6:15-17 (ESV) 15 Then the kings of the earth and the great ones and the generals and the rich and the powerful, and everyone, slave and free, hid themselves in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains, 16 calling to the mountains and rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who is seated on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb, 17 for the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?” 

The coming of God Is terrifying because of sin. Deep down inside of every human being, no matter how much you may deny it, is the knowledge that you must pay for your sin

And yet God wants to be Immanuel, God with us. God wants His coming to be a time of joy as it was in Eden. He wants to share Himself with you and not have you run and hide. That is the great comfort that you find in today’s Gospel. Here is God coming in the flesh of a man; humble and mounted on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey. Here is Jesus coming into Jerusalem in order to finish His perfect, sinless life with an utterly cruel and terrible death so that God can come to you with joy instead of terror.

God’s plan for coming to you replaces the terror of sin with the joy of righteousness. God does this by removing the punishment of sin and giving you the righteousness of Christ instead. In order to do this, God Himself takes on human flesh in the person of Jesus Christ. Jesus is both God and man. As a human being, just like you, Jesus takes on the terror, the shame, the pain, and the guilt of your sin. As a man, Jesus can die and He does. He dies the shameful death of crucifixion; nailed naked to a few pieces of wood and put on display for all the world to see. 

Advent is a time of self-examination to discover in what ways we have turned away from God in our daily lives, and repenting – turning back toward God –and making amends. And so during the season of Advent, we are reminded that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, those that have gone astray, to round them up so to speak in one, one church in Him so that through Him we might attain salvation – salvation here and now and hereafter. In so doing He reconciles Himself with us paving the way for our prospering under His guidance.

Since Jesus is God, God experiences that shameful death. As the holy Son of God, Jesus’ shame takes away your shame and His death takes away your death. There is no longer any terror in your sin because Jesus has taken the terror away. 1 Corinthians 15:55-57 (ESV) 55 “O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?” 56 The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 57 But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

The wonderful thing about His continual coming is that it no longer terrifies you. Even as God lives with you, He still comes to you. He comes to you as you read and hear His word. He continues to come to you in His flesh and blood as you eat and drink the bread and the wine of His table. 

God is coming with a reward and there is salvation, behold don’t look at the circumstances you facing, don’t look at yourself and how you feel and conclude.

IN CONCLUSION 

Behold the lord, Yahweh, Jehovah who has come to save you!!!

Ponder God and His coming during this Advent. Consider His coming as the baby at Christmas, but don’t limit your consideration just to Christmas. Ponder the love that God shows in His coming in that even while sin causes terror and hatred, He continues to come with His love. Consider how He came to save you with His suffering, death, and resurrection. Consider how He now comes in Word and Sacrament. Consider how He will come on the last day to take His people home with Him. Consider the blessings that He once gave, that He now gives, and that He will give when He comes again. Amen