Honest Advent: Awakening to the Wonder of God-with-Us Then, Here, and Now

by Scott Erickson

Spirituality is making what is invisible visible; religion is the rituals, rhythms, and practices we form to connect to that visibility.

if I’m honest, I’m actually afraid of revelation. All great stories come at a cost, and the cost of revelation is that it’s going to ask something of us.

the rub of revelation is that it’s a transformation you’re not in charge of.

Who we are is deeper than where we find ourselves in this moment. And Jesus illuminates that deeper identity.

Any real connection involves vulnerability.

Any real connection involves vulnerability because it takes the act of making oneself open to truly be known.

the definition of truth entails having a clear perspective when looking at everything.

Our tendency is to claim a tiny little fact and call it truth. Truth is robust. Truth looks the same from all angles; it isn’t refractory light or a comet that you can only see from one place or at one time.

perspective often has to do with vantage point. We can place five apples on a table and say that the truth is that there are five apples. But if you are four years old and can only see three apples because you can’t see the top of the table, you may conclude that adults are

confused about how to correctly count the number of apples on a table.

truth is the end of the journey toward having a clear perspective. Truth is found when we can lay aside our own preferences and vantages and see everything for the way it is. It’s interesting that those who spent time with Jesus consistently described Him as being “full of truth.” Having a clear perspective. Seeing the real.

Shame believes one lacks what it takes to be loved and must endeavor to earn that back.

Love has always been about forgiveness—For Given-Ness—presence not withheld in the midst of seeing the real.