Why are you here? - Tuesday, December 15 (Advent 2020)

For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ when he comes? Is it not you? Indeed, you are our glory and joy!
1 Thessalonians 2:19-20

In one of my classes last week, the professor asked two questions, “How did you get here, and why are you here?”

As we prepare to celebrate the first Advent and await the second Advent, I was pondering these two questions in light of this season. The Christ child came, he walked among us. As God in the flesh, he loved us with an everlasting love. He journeyed to the cross and died so we might receive the forgiveness of our sins. He restored our broken relationship with the Father. He has shown us that if we forgive as He has forgiven us, our relationships with one another can also be restored.

I have a good friend in Alaska who finishes every correspondence with the perfect answer to my professor’s two questions.

How did you get here? And why are you here? The answer to these two questions is simple. Because of Jesus!

Just like Sunday school, the answer is always Jesus.

O Lord, we thank you for showing us you are the way, the truth, and the life. That the joy and glory will be in us, as a community, when we stand in the presence of your son, Jesus Christ, our Lord, at His coming! Amen.

Rev. David Sternbeck (Nuu-chah-nulth)
Port Angeles, Washington