Advent IV · Ponder The Paradox
by jazmine lampley
Prepare: Whisper this prayer —
INHALE: He came to live.
EXHALE: He came to give me life.
Ponder: Read this passsage —
But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid.
I bring you good news that will cause great joy
for all the people. Today in the town of David
a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.
—Luke 2:10-11 (NIV)
Prompt: Ponder this paradox —
THE PARADOX OF Jesus’ birth and death.
In the Old Testament, under the Law of Moses, the Israelites sacrificed spotless lambs, making sure to pick only the purest and whitest. These sacrifices provided a temporary covering for sins.
Jesus, born of a virgin, yes, was ultimately born of the Holy Spirt. Blameless, he was and is and will always be our lamb—as white as snow.
Born to live and born to die, he came into the world to heal, teach, love, and give new life. All of this, Jesus knew. Still, he walked out the purpose and plan of his sacrifice. Oppressed and afflicted and yet not fleeing or fighting back.
Instead, being led to the slaughter, to death. In love and for love. To make us white as snow.