15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Hebrews 4:15 English Standard Version
While in Iraq, I always went
about armed. When I went outside the wire, I was always fully kitted up with
body armor, my assigned weapon, another weapon I’d convinced the armorer I
needed, as much ammunition as I could carry, and an assortment of grenades both
anti-personnel and smoke. I also carried a couple of knives, not that I was
well trained in their use, but hey just in case. Especially during my first
tour, I went places and did things that were not very safe or wise. During
later tours we knew more and adjusted our tactics appropriately. But, I always
wanted to be prepared to do battle. I did not get into many scrapes; but, when
I did I was able to acquit myself appropriately. As they say, I was armed to
the teeth. Jesus took a different approach.
Advent marks the heavenly D-Day.
God came to earth to do battle with satan, the mortal enemy, the great dragon.
Unlike me, who took all the weapons available just in case, Jesus set aside all
His powerful weapons and engaged satan as a tiny human infant. We think of
Advent as a peaceful season. In some ways that is most appropriate. Jesus came
to earth in the form of a human baby weak, innocent, and powerless. But despite
all the peaceful, quiet trappings, Advent marks the start of heaven’s invasion
of enemy held territory, and God did not show up guns blazing. He showed up
quietly, so quietly that no one noticed, unless they received a special
invitation, but more about that another day.
Jesus engaged His enemy armed
with the same weapons that you and I have, no more and no less. As a babe, and
later a child, He fought satan as you and I do; with prayer, faith, and
dependent upon help from the Father. As the writer of Hebrews says, “He sympathizes
with our weakness.” He Himself was weak. Horses, cattle, and many other animals
can stand and walk a few minutes after birth. Not Jesus. He came into this
world weak and helpless. He could not do a thing for Himself. He looked to a
young, possibly teenaged, mother for everything He needed, everything. The almighty
Lord God of all, creator and sustainer of the universe waited on a young woman
to feed Him, warm Him, change Him, sooth Him, and comfort Him. He faced all the
troubles, turmoil, and temptations of this life armed as we are.
Later, as He faced His ultimate
temptation, one of His followers drew a sword to defend Him. He forbade it,
remarking that if He desired, He could call legions of angels to defend Him,
but He did not. Advent astounds us in its inherent weakness. When we engage in
battle we seek to be as strong as possible. Our Lord chose a different path,
and in choosing that path He comes to understand us deeply. He knows what it is
like to be weak and insignificant. He loves that much. He willingly garbed
Himself in our flesh to understand and love us. All that power, might, and
glory set aside just so He could sympathize with His people and save them fully
and completely. So Advent, the opening round of spiritual D-Day, does not arrive
with a mighty roar, it arrives with a gurgling cry.
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