The Weekend Word: Advent Begins

And now, we enter the desert, in preparation for the blessing that is Christmas.

For those who are Roman Catholic, or Anglo-Catholic, there will be the lighting of candles, and a brief “mini-Lent,” as we look forward to the coming holy-day.

For all Christians, this is a time of anticipation—irrespective of how we feel about the worldly aspects of the holiday, or the degree to which we participate in the exchanging of gifts, elaborate dinners, and the like.

The celebration may simple, and it may be sumptuous. It might last for a day or two—or for 12 days, enveloping New Year’s as well as Christmas Day.

But over the next several weeks we will all want to get ready, with prayer and fasting, for the second holiest season of the year.

Today, we are focusing on Isaiah 9:2, 6-7.

One quick note: this is the Old Testament, so you’ll want to recall the older notion of what “government” meant: something in which power was invested. Back before the idea of individual conscience grew into the separation of Church and State (and eventualy gave birth to our First Amendment, which gives us the blessing of worshipping as we choose), the lines were blurrier. The Lord had not yet come down to clarify that all-important “Caesar vs. God” distinction.

Those who believe in modern democracy will have to make a mental adjustment, therefore, when coming across the word government—in much the same way that those who live in even nominal monarchies presumably have to adjust when they see Jesus referred to as a “King.” For kings are generally of this world; Jesus is Lord of the next.

For worldly powers come and go; God’s power and love endures.

Let’s start with the King James Version:

The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light: they that dwell in the land of the shadow of death, upon them hath the light shined.

Thou hast multiplied the nation, and not increased the joy: they joy before thee according to the joy in harvest, and as men rejoice when they divide the spoil.

For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.

Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will perform this.

And, the New American Standard Bible, which as you know I like to run parallel to the KJV. (This is a Protestant Bible, so if you’re fond of that translation, the New American Bible will likely suit you as well—they are both badass-accurate; the Roman Church tends to keep things simple, and encourage laypeople to use the NAB or the KJV. So, accurate and poetic, or accurate and straightforward are your options for a primary Good Book; this probably works for 99% of believers.):

The people who walk in darkness
Will see a great light;
Those who live in a dark land,
The light will shine on them.
You shall multiply the nation,
You shall increase their gladness;
They will be glad in Your presence
As with the gladness of harvest,
As men rejoice when they divide the spoil.

For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us;
And the government will rest on His shoulders;
And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.
There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace,
On the throne of David and over his kingdom,
To establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness
From then on and forevermore.
The zeal of the LORD of hosts will accomplish this.

It is time to go into the desert, preparing for Christ’s arrival as he himself did for the beginning of his own ministry on this Earth. We will be in a state of anticipation over the next few weeks. Rather than giving something up, I encourage you to nourish yourself by adding more prayer or Scripture study to your day (or week). That is to say, give up some of your time for the sake of being ready—besides which, reading your favorite gospel may delight you more than you remember (try Mark; if you’re nerdy like me, you’ll like Matthew).

Consider adding meditation to your life, or employing the type of repetitive prayer that, for instance, the Rosary embodies. Or, talk to God while you walk every day (or several times a week): that is a form of active meditation as well.

It is time to make ourselves ready. “Prepare ye the way of the Lord” (Mark 1:3).