From now through the end of December, a chance to re-examine the gifts of Advent, the gift of a Savior, and the epiphany of Epiphany.
John 18:37 For this purpose I was born and for this purpose I have come into the world—to bear witness to the truth.
During the last few years, my understanding of the prophetic voice has enlarged to include pastors, counselors, parents, or Christian friends who speak God’s truth. Modern prophets mirror ancient ones when they tell the unvarnished truth about us, and also about God. They speak words of correction as well as words of hope and life. Things and people are messy, but prophets tell of a plan to heal the gap between our messiness and God’s holiness. They tell of the advent of a Savior who bears witness to God’s unfailing heart.
I’ve often wrestled with the prophets, both the ones from Scripture and the ones God has placed right in front of me. Sometimes the plain truth about my heart is ugly. But like most, when I come hungry and thirsty, emptied of trying to save myself, I understand grace much better and am indebted to the one who dared to speak truth.
If you are lighting the first purple candle of the advent wreath today, remember that it symbolizes prophesy – not just a word from the past, or a word for the future – but a word from God for today, a gift from a voice who loves God, listens intently, and cares enough to call out the truth of who we are, and who God is.
Prayer: Giver of good gifts, help us both embrace and practice truth telling. And may we welcome again the advent of the one who is The Truth.
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