Advent Journey: December 2nd

© Michael Livesay-Wright

Questions and Reflections

QUESTION: What do you think it was like to have light for the first time?

This moment had to have been magnificent. We have no way of knowing what kind of environment the Godhead existed in before this moment. But can you imagine how spectacular it was for God to speak the words "Let there be light" and then suddenly there was? Scripture continues, "And God saw that the light was good. And God separated the light from the darkness." He took a moment to acknowledge the goodness of what he had made and then created separation or distinction between light and dark. We could spend hours talking about the significance of this - both for scientific purposes and symbolic purposes. 

QUESTION: Why did God create both day and night? Think of as many reasons as you can!

Your reading today gives you two possible reasons - to create rhythms of rest for Gods people he already knew he would make and to teach faith. What other reasons can you think of? There are so many symbolic meanings behind light and dark. Think of the tongues of fire that were the symbol of the Holy Spirit, the pillar of fire in the night that guided the people of Israel, the plague of darkness on Israel, just to name a few. Then, of course there are the symbols of Christ as light of the world, "Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, 'I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life'" (John 8:12, ESV). Since this was the first thing created and God so often uses the symbol of light we actually chose to make this the symbol for God the Father in the trinity image you find on the back of the book and on December 1. 

QUESTION: Why do you think God chose to create with words rather than any other way?

As someone who loves words this is so powerful to me. The word of God went out from his mouth (or whatever form the Godhead had) and became so. Word made flesh, in a way. Of course this alludes to John 1:14, "And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth" (ESV). Think of that, just as in the moment of creation, the Word of God left his lips, put on flesh, and we got to see it -- that word of God -- in all its glory, as the person of Jesus. It's incredible!

QUESTION: What kinds of things do you worry about?

As you return to the theme of the "chorus" in Part I, consider discussing with your children or even asking yourself what you are currently worried about. Then consider, how does the coming of God in the great incarnation make a difference in the things you are worried about. God knows your worries and cares about them. But he also has a bigger story and in that story your worries are folded into something so grand and beautiful it will take your breath away!