by John Tanner - founder and lead pastor of Cove Church It is through our five senses that we experience the truth and beauty in the world around us. Through our senses, we process and internalize both information (truth) and inspiration (beauty). In the Bible, the senses are often alluded to both literally and metaphorically as means by which we experience God.
“Taste and see that the Lord is good.” – Psalm 34:8
“For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ…” – 2 Corinthians 2:15
“Open my eyes that you may see wonderful things in your law.” – Psalm 119:18
“Whoever has ears to hear, let them hear.” – Matthew 11:15
But Jesus said, “Someone touched me, for I perceive that power has gone out from me.” – Luke 8:46
The wonder of Christmas is that although sin had alienated us from our Creator, God communicated His love toward us in a way we could comprehend: the piercing sound of a baby’s cry, the intimate touch of mother and child, the aroma of hay and manure in a lowly stable, the bright light of a star in the dark night sky. Through Christ, God came near.
Fast-forward a little more than 2,000 years, and our annual commemoration of Jesus’ birth tends to wander far from its humble beginnings. Often we find ourselves experiencing sensory overload during this season of the year. In the midst of all the sights and sounds competing for our attention, we are in danger of missing the wonder and mystery of it all.
But rather than rail against the cultural tide, this year I want to encourage us to redeem it. Since God came to us in the most tangible, ordinary way, this Advent let’s endeavor to experience Him through the tangible and the ordinary all around us. Let’s use all our senses to connect us to the wonder of this amazing story.
For instance, during the first week of Advent we are focusing on the sounds of Christmas. So while you are going about your daily life—commuting, working, shopping, etc, pay attention to the sounds of the season. Notice the sound of the Salvation Army bell ringing, Christmas music playing, or even the ringing of a cash register and remember the REASON the sound is occurring traces back to a baby’s first cry in Bethlehem.
My hope and prayer during this Advent season, is that the ordinary will become sacramental, as we embrace what Brother Lawrence called “practicing the presence of Christ.” I look forward to hearing your stories of how God has personally spoken to you as we embark on this Advent journey together.
The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen… - Luke 2:20
