Today’s Advent Reflection is from Mark Tomlinson, from St Marys, Cheadle
Jesus, Founder and Perfecter of Our Faith
Hebrews 12:1-3, 13:1-2
12 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
3 Consider him who endured from sinners such hostility against himself, so that you may not grow weary or faint-hearted.
13 Let brotherly love continue. 2 Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
Reflection
Christmas is fast approaching now, almost certainly a Christmas like no other for us. But even with the challenges and restrictions of this year, this is still a time for reflecting on the past and experiencing the joys of past traditions.
One of my loves has always been films - especially at Christmas. We live in a time now when the access to films is greater than it has ever been, you can almost see any film at any time. But many of us will still remember a time when one of the highlights of Christmas, in particularly Christmas Day, was to see a blockbuster film or one of the ‘old Christmas favourites’ . . . . . James Bond, White Christmas, It’s a Wonderful Life, to name just three. I can almost feel the tingle and emotion of remembering.
Nearly all of these films have a hero of some kind, who eventually comes through in some way. I love heroes coming good, and the escapism of it all getting lost in the experience, even for an hour or so.
So, what has this to do with today’s readings in Hebrews?
I love the letter to the Hebrews and especially chapters 12 & 13, not just for them in themselves but also because of what they follow. Chapter 12 starts with ‘therefore’! I hope your first thought was, ‘what is chapter 12 referring to’? Chapter 11 is an amazing chapter of ‘Faith in action’ and lists so many heroes of faith from the Old Testament, like Abel, Enoch, Abraham, Jacob and Moses, to name a few. The beginning of the chapter reminds us that faith is, ‘confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see.’ And as we are reminded of the different characters, we are also reminded that faith is understanding God’s commands, righteousness, what pleases God, the importance of seeking God and obeying Him.
Christmas is a wonderful and perfect time to be reminded of all these characters and what they help us to remember about our own faith. ‘So since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses . . . . . ‘, what do we need to do this Christmas? Our verses today give us really clear instructions . . . keep your eyes on Jesus, focus on Him. What wonderful words of encouragement to us all, but what does this mean in practice? The writer to the Hebrews explains this to us in the verses we are reflecting on today:
· Lay aside every weight and sin (12v1) – God’s rescue story, beginning at Christmas and through to the story of Easter, is all about God’s forgiveness. As we remember all that God has done through Jesus, we must let go of anything that gets in the way of our relationship with God. Will you do that today and continue into the new year?
· Run the race with endurance (12v1) – our faith is all about living it out, putting it into practice and being faithful and persevering, even when it is hard, like it has been this year. Will you run the Christian race with endurance?
· Look to Jesus and His sacrifice (12v12v2) – remember and recognise what Jesus has done, which all began with the His birth in the Nativity story. Jesus’ love for us is so complete that He gave up everything for us. How amazing is that? Christmas is a great time for us to reflect on Jesus’ love and think about how we can show our love for Him in our life.
· Don’t grow weary (12v3) – As we think of Jesus and all He has done this Christmas, we need to be encouraged, and not grow tired or faint-hearted. Despite the challenges this Christmas, will you make the most of circumstances?
· Show love to your church family (13v1) – ‘Let brotherly love continue’ is challenging at the moment isn’t it, with all the restrictions of Covid-19, but are there things you can do to help others? Even within our own church there are so many who are finding this Christmas very difficult. Can you make contact with someone by phone? Is there a word of encouragement you can share? Are there members of church who can’t get out and need some practical help? This Christmas we need to do what we can to show love.
· Show hospitality to strangers (13v2) – Jesus challenges us to show hospitality to all, but it is very challenging in our present situation. But can we be creative in our thinking? And when all this eases, are we beginning to think in what ways we can bless those in our wider community?
My hope and prayer is that you will have a very safe Christmas, and one when you will know God’s love, provision, protection and blessing.
God Bless
Mark