Editor's note: "An uncommon Advent: the arrival of a Savior in our lives" is a sampling of biblical meditations composed by members of the Concordia University Wisconsin community. It is our prayer that you will take time during the Advent season to read and reflect upon God's Word and await the coming of Jesus with newfound anticipation and zeal through the Holy Spirit.
December 17 – Uncommon perspectives
Isaiah 33:1-24 and Revelation 5:1-14
“O Lord, be gracious to us; we wait for you. Be our arm every morning, our salvation in the time of trouble.” (Isaiah 33: 2)
Camels, sheep, horses, cows—all bowing down at the manger at the birth of our Savior. This was exactly the perspective a screenwriter took when the kids’ movie The Star, about the birth of our Savior, was released in 2017. This represented an uncommon perspective on His birth, wouldn’t you agree?
While initially I thought, “What a cute movie for the kids,” I later reflected more broadly about many others’ perspectives surrounding his birth: Joseph, Mary, kings, friends, family, shepherds, wise men. Some of these perspectives were joy filled and excited while others felt and responded much differently. What perspective would I have held if I witnessed the first Christmas? Would I have been a naysayer? Jealous like the king? Skeptical? Eager and excited like the shepherds? Would my perspective have prompted me to glorify the new King with worship and treasure by the power of the Holy Spirit?
In Human Resources at Concordia University Wisconsin, my colleagues and I have the privilege to work with many individuals and their differing perspectives. One thing I keep in mind is that God has made us all with different viewpoints in life and when we do not know where a certain situation may lead, He is always there to guide us, to be our arm, our salvation in the time of trouble. I can only imagine the uncertainly and fear that Joseph felt, culturally and personally, when he first learned that a Savior would be born; but God was in the midst of it all, sending His angels to tell Joseph to not leave Mary. God’s angelic announcements told the shepherds to worship the new King. Moreover, God sent a star to the Wise Men. Through the Scriptures, God continues to guide us, today and in the future. In this season of Advent, let us prepare for the King while considering each of the uncommon perspectives surrounding the birth of Jesus.
Heavenly Father, please guide us all of our days so that our perspectives and actions will be used by your Holy Spirit to glorify your Holy Name. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
-Kimberly Masenthin is the Director of Human Resources and has served Concordia University since 2001. View a full schedule of “An uncommon Advent” readings here.
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