Isaiah 53: 1-5 (KJV)

"He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not.  Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted.  But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities." 

Reflection by Kenneth L. Samuel

We should never assume that our celebrations of the advent of God in Christ Jesus will attract and appeal to everyone.  Isaiah's prophesy about the life and sufferings of Jesus are enough to prompt the question: Is anybody really willing to celebrate and to follow a messiah of sorrows, who was acquainted with grief?

The advent of Jesus is not just about his manger; it is also about his mission.  A mission that would render him stricken, smitten of God and rejected by men and women.  Where is the merriment in that?  Those of us who celebrate not just the manger but the mission of Jesus are aware of this poignant paradox.

Yet, still we joyfully celebrate the coming of our Christ, for we understand what Isaiah understood: suffering for the cause of God's realm is redemptive in every sphere of life.  In fact, the suffering of Jesus is not ancillary but integral to our celebration of Advent. 

Prayer

Lord, during this Advent season, let our celebrations and actions reveal to us afresh the redemptive power that only comes through our sacrifices for others. Amen.

About the Author Kenneth L. Samuel is Pastor of Victory for the World Church, Stone Mountain, Georgia.

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