dec4reflection2

How often have we longed to be present during Christ's ministry on earth? If only we could hear His teaching firsthand or see His miracles, then our faith would be unmovable. Perhaps we have wanted to be with the shepherds or the wisemen. We would surely be overwhelmed with the joy that they felt at seeing the Christ child. Indeed, Jesus tells His followers that many prophets and kings have longed to see and hear what they have.

Yet, I think that we are even more blessed. Not only do we have the scriptural account of Jesus' ministry, but we have the testimony of the vast cloud of witnesses, who for two millennia have shared with us their own revelations. Guided by the Spirit of God, the apostles, martyrs, saints, teachers, evangelists, artists, composers, and authors, have left us an ever growing account of the meaning of the "Word made flesh."

Although I could make a long list of the people whose lives or inspired works have increased my faith, I will mention just a few. At this time of year, I often turn to Handel's /Messiah,/ not only for the beauty of the music, but to relive salvation history as it is presented in the Scriptural text. Some of the authors who have inspired and guided me include C. S. Lewis, Thomas Merton, F.J. Sheed, Richard Rohr, Malcom Muggeridge, T. S. Eliot, and Pope John Paul II. I have also found that reading about the lives of the saints, mystics, and martyrs, such as Julian of Norwich, Kateri Tekakwitha, and Deitrich Bonhoffer, has brought their encounters with the Lord into my heart. A recent nonfiction book, /Same Kind of Different As Me/, the story of relationship between a well-to-do man and a homeless person, is a wonderful example of faith at work in present times. How blessed we are to have all these testimonies!

The longing of the prophets and kings, to which Jesus referred, was for the promised Messiah. The Psalms and the Old Testament prophets often depict the Messiah as an earthly king who rules with justice and compassion. We have come to understand that the Messianic kingdom is to be established in our hearts. By allowing the Messiah to rule within us, we can experience the peace and joy that has been promised and that has been experienced by Christians throughout the ages. Then the wolves, lions, and cobras that roam within us can be tamed. Then can we become servants of the King who work for justice and peace.

The idyllic times of the wolf and the lamb seem to be far off, but "the knowledge of the Lord" does indeed fill the earth. During this Christmas season, may the beauty of the artists and composers, who have been moved by the Spirit, increase your happiness. Throughout the year, may the wisdom, counsel, and understanding of the apostles, evangelists, authors, and teachers strengthen and guide you as you live in God's kingdom. Perhaps even your life or your testimony will become a revelation to others.