“Star of wonder, star of night, Guide us to thy perfect light…” As we eagerly await Christmas, look up to the stars. Get lost in the wonder and pray to the One who created them. Each day in Advent, enjoy a reflection from a Saint Luke friend, as they too look up to the sky and ponder the names used in the Bible for Jesus. May their reflections be a gift to you this Christmas as we seek God together.
Today’s reflection is from Jodi Cunniffe. She has been a member of Saint Luke for two and a half years. She facilitates the Thursday evening weekly prayer gathering.
I AM
"Jesus said to them, “Very truly, I tell you, before Abraham was, I am."‘ -John 8:58
The definition of wonder is "a feeling of surprise mingled with admiration, caused by something beautiful, unexpected, unfamiliar, or inexplicable and/or the desire or curiosity to know something". Well, that kind of describes Jesus' ministry and life; a life full of surprises and twists and turns. The wonder of who Jesus is becomes a catalyst for us to learn and discover more about ourselves and others and how this relates to our relationship and understanding of God.
John 8:58 is a short and simple verse that really angered his audience. Jesus said to them, "Very truly, I tell you, before Abraham was, I am." After Jesus uttered those words, the people in the temple picked up stones to throw at him. Jesus hid, left the temple, and continued to perform miracles and good works.
Think about times when you've been misunderstood and how frustrating that can be for both parties involved. Because Jesus became one of us, "I am", he too became frustrated. However, despite that frustration [delivering God's message is hard-not everyone is open to hearing it], Jesus continues to love us totally, completely, and unconditionally. Jesus' love for us is a beautiful, unrelenting love, that for many, when they experience it for the first time, is unexpected, unfamiliar-yet wonderful.
During this time of advent remember all the ways that Jesus showed and taught us how to love. Reflect on how everyone comes to understand relationships and love in their own way and be patient with others as "I am" is with our developing understanding of his love for us. Andrea Gibson, the poet, says it best, "My grandma used to knit my mittens too big so they'd still fit me when I grew. I'd wear them and look like what I wasn't yet. Sometimes when I'm writing poems, they don't yet fit, and that's all to say, it's okay if the best of you is still something you're growing into." I'd like to think we are all growing into understanding God. I know, I am. Go gently.
Dear God, Thank you for always loving us and for sending Jesus to teach us how to love each other and how to be our best selves. Help us enter into this advent season with open hearts and minds so that we can discover all of your wondrous beauty. Continue to surround us with your grace and protection and help us rest completely in your unfailing love. Help us to follow our own star of light and give us peaceful sleep until the breaking of a new day. Amen