Advent: Standing in the Promises - Too Good to Be True

“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6

The poles, the big top, the sparkling lights. While not a traditional sign that Christmas is coming for most people, it is in our part of Southern California. The same family-run circus has our town as a regular stop on its annual tour, and sets up a home base in a nearby shopping center each Advent. As we passed the half-erected circus tent, my husband joked “is it weird that the circus tent at the mall makes it feel like Christmas at this point?” Our 8-year-old daughter piped up from the back: “No, it’s not ‘cause at the circus you see things that you never imagined were possible, and that is kind of like Jesus being born. Nobody could ever imagine what that would be like!”

Despite the scores of Messianic prophecies contained in the Old Testament, much like a stunt bike hurtling through the air overhead, no one saw this amazing thing coming. Spectators are filled with wonder, awe, and disbelief. And if I am honest, maybe some skepticism. Is it an illusion, a trick? There is no way this is real! As the Gospel narrative unfolds, we find many examples of people saying “there is no way this is real!” to what they see and hear of Jesus. It all seems too good to be true…

Who is this Jesus? Who is this God who will come down to earth, who chooses the muck and stink of poverty, who chooses difficult friendships and relationships, who chooses to upend religion and social structures as we know them? He is the “Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace” who is prophesied in the Book of Isaiah. What might that Advent of the Messiah look like today?

Wonderful Counselor

The death-defying feats performed by the acrobats cause a visceral reaction in the audience. There is a collective pause, audible gasps of amazement, and raucous applause at the completion of various routines. As I get in touch with those spontaneous feelings, I ask myself whether I have truly looked at what God has done for ME with such raw, unfiltered wonder and awe. Perhaps, I have felt a sense of God’s grandness when I visit places of natural beauty like the Pacific Ocean or Yosemite. I look out towards God’s wonder and grandeur, but I have a hard time looking in with amazement at the wounds God has healed in me, at the pathways that God has opened for me, and at the wisdom God has gifted me to discern movements in my own life. I stand in awe, too, at the quirky ways in which God communicates to my daughter, and the wonderful counsel of her uniqueness. This Advent I am praying for the grace to gasp, to have my breath taken away, at the wonder of God looking into my soul.

Mighty God, Eternal Father

Reading the news fills me with fear and panic. I worry for the future of our church, our country and our world. I read about the record-breaking settlements for abuse (from the church and other previously well-respected organizations). The world’s realities are overwhelming. I feel so small and insignificant in the midst of the mighty forces around me. I want to pack my bags, flee, and tune out the terrifying news.

The words of Philippians 2:7-11 reveal the fulfillment of the Messiah’s might.

“Rather, he emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, coming in human likeness; and found human in appearance, he humbled himself, becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross. Because of this, God greatly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bend, of those in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”

Where can I go to escape God’s call? My actions feel small and insignificant. I am limited by time, energy, and my own physical, mental, and spiritual resources. Yet, no matter how far I run, the cry of the poor still reaches me. Christ’s might is revealed in his humble sacrifice. What is God emptying in me today, so that I may better reflect God’s glory?

Prince of Peace

More than anything, I seek the Prince of Peace. I long for the One who wipes away all tears, who cures illness and injuries, and brings hope where there is none. But even more, I long to be the person who knows that peace, who trusts in God’s goodness and care. I have spent so much time asking Jesus to take away my anxiety and fears. I cannot imagine inviting Jesus in to meet me in these darkest places of my being.

How many different places and ways do we each encounter God in our lives and daily reality? I have met God in the people around me, from the Gospels, in the Sacraments. This Christmas, my prayer is to encounter God with wonder, awe, might, humility, and peace in my own heart.

Christmas is almost here, I am really coming this time, Jesus… I think…

Going Deeper:

• Practice Ignatian repetition and relive the graces you have been encountering this Advent. Spend time returning to any previous posts in this series, or other meaningful prayers.
• Imagine Jesus being born into your own community, with this powerful meditation by Vinita Hampton Wright.

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Jen Coito

Jen Coito was Jesuit-educated in Los Angeles at Loyola Marymount University. She has a Masters in Pastoral Theology with a specialization in Spiritual Direction. After working for the California Province of Jesuits and Christian Life Community, Jen and Fr. Tri Dinh, S.J co-founded Christus Ministries, an outreach that bridges young adults and the Church through service, retreats, and leadership formation experiences. Jen also serves the Sisters of Notre Dame in California as the Associate Director of Mission Advancement. Daily life involves juggling her work with awesome nuns and the constant stream of activities with her husband Jason and three children.