I am a singer, songwriter, wife, mother, Jesus follower. I send out a 2-minute read every Tuesday about Jesus and life in God.
The Sign (4/5 Advent)
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Hi Friends, Christmas week… it’s here! Amidst the cookies and carols and last minute gift wrapping, pause with me as we look into a beautiful part of the Advent story… Last week, we left off at the angels appearing to the shepherds. They are given a message: “‘And this will be the sign to you: You will find a Babe wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger.’” A sign. What is the sign in the swaddling cloths? There are several answers to this that theologians have long pointed to. One stands out to me now. The swaddling cloths are a sign of this: That He receives our love. A meager blanket wrapped around Him for warmth. Loving Him is made so simple. No hoops to jump through. No human limitations to press through. Nothing to prove. In this most simple, practical way, God shows us that there are no hurdles to wholeheartedness. Yes, He receives our love. The proud will spurn it. It’s too lowly. Too accessible. But the humble will rejoice to hear: it’s not so complicated. All who want to love Him and give their lives to Him are welcome here. There are no barriers to entry. This sign of the swaddling cloths tells us that the most humble hands and inexperienced hearts can love the King of Kings. Young Mary and Joseph from Nazareth. Shepherds from the fields, making ends meet. You. Me. It’s our own two hands, our very normal lives. Common cloth and ordinary things. A simple blanket tucked around Him. An unlikely bed. All we have to offer. He receives our love. – Anna P.S. Next Tuesday I’ll meet you back here, in front of this manger, once again. There’s just too much beauty — let’s look into it for one more week. And Merry Christmas! |
Anna Blanc
I am a singer, songwriter, wife, mother, Jesus follower. I send out a 2-minute read every Tuesday about Jesus and life in God.
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