Day 1: Crescendo
Luke 2:1 And it came to pass…
Five brief introductory words. The phrase is so exceedingly redundant in the Greek(ἐγένετο), the majority of English translations condense it to a single word, “Now.” Luke makes use of it 69 times in his gospel and a further 54 times in Acts.
The rote repetition of the phrase passively highlights the unspoken foreordained conclusions established in the mystery of timeless eternity. These unadmired revelations of the Father plod along, inconspicuously unfurling in the sidenotes of our stories, so redundant we can scarcely be bothered to translate them without abbreviation.
“Get to the heart of the matter,” we may say, “we wish to see the climax!” Yet, such demands reveal how little regard we’ve paid to the unheard millions of strings plucked, in order that the one we long to hear might resonate on cue and in harmony.
Our hearts discern it is that one which must be struck, yet it is only at the crescendo that our attention is seized. What a crescendo it is! So divinely inspired and executed, that the rhythms of our year wind around it and set their pace to meet it.
God writes, the story progresses, His good and perfect will accomplished. What humility we find in recognizing our meager roles. If I could but strike a mundane chord, nay but a single note in a chord perhaps even unheard, but useful in His service, what joy would be mine!
Missions is the business of setting about to do the work of God in accordance with the will of God. While doing so, the continuous “Now” moments in God’s great story are revealed. How humble a part we play. What a privilege and joy to play it! The culmination of the story continues to unfurl while calling us back to all that has gone before. So to be on mission with God is perhaps a continual exercise of recognizing the “Now” or “It came to pass,” moments fading in and out before us and around us, moving the world and our lives to and fro to the rhythms of His providence.
In this advent season, may we notice, may we hear, and may we fully enjoy the crescendo of God’s favor poured out on mankind through the Son, Emmanuel!
Questions for Application
-What “and it came to pass” moments have transpired for you this year? In your lifetime?
-Have you shared these blessed providences with your children? Your grandchildren?
-As you look back, which details of the providences in your life could serve to encourage and spur the faith of those closest to you?
