December 2nd, 2023
by Dr. Ron Harvey
by Dr. Ron Harvey
This Sunday, December 3, marks the beginning of our Advent Season at FBC Pompano. Our minds then naturally return to the Worship of Christ (Christ mas). With this in mind, I want to share with you a story that comes from Soren
Kierkegaard, the noted Danish theologian of another century, whom I mentioned this past Sunday. He wrote of—
This prince was running an errand for his father one day in the local village. As he did so, he passed through a very poor section of the town. Looking through the window of his carriage, he saw a beautiful young peasant girl walking along the street. He could not get her off his heart. He continued to come to the town, day after day, just to see her and to feel as though he was near her.
His heart yearned for her, but there was a problem. How could he develop a relationship with her? He could order her to marry him. It was in his power to do so, but he wanted this girl to love him from the heart, willingly. He could put on his royal garments and impress her with his regal entourage, and drive up to her front door with soldiers and a carriage drawn by six horses. However, if he did this he would never be certain that the girl loved him or was simply overwhelmed with his power, position and wealth.
The prince came up with another solution. As you may have guessed, he gave up his kingly robe and symbols of power and privilege. He moved into the village dressed only as a peasant. He lived among the people, shared their interests and concerns, and talked their language. In time, the young peasant girl grew to know him, and then to love him.
This is a lovely story, but even more importantly, it reminds us of what Jesus has done for us. The Bible says, “The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us” (John 1:14). The King put aside His heavenly robes and divine prerogatives. He came to us as one of us. In time, He went to the cross and died for all of us. By Christ’s life, death and resurrection we have come to know life and love through faith. The new birth of Christ in our hearts has changed our lives forever. It is for this reason, not simply because of the season, that we celebrate the advent of Christ.
From the beginning of this wonderful season, I wish you a Merry Christmas!
Devotedly yours
Pastor Ron
Kierkegaard, the noted Danish theologian of another century, whom I mentioned this past Sunday. He wrote of—
This prince was running an errand for his father one day in the local village. As he did so, he passed through a very poor section of the town. Looking through the window of his carriage, he saw a beautiful young peasant girl walking along the street. He could not get her off his heart. He continued to come to the town, day after day, just to see her and to feel as though he was near her.
His heart yearned for her, but there was a problem. How could he develop a relationship with her? He could order her to marry him. It was in his power to do so, but he wanted this girl to love him from the heart, willingly. He could put on his royal garments and impress her with his regal entourage, and drive up to her front door with soldiers and a carriage drawn by six horses. However, if he did this he would never be certain that the girl loved him or was simply overwhelmed with his power, position and wealth.
The prince came up with another solution. As you may have guessed, he gave up his kingly robe and symbols of power and privilege. He moved into the village dressed only as a peasant. He lived among the people, shared their interests and concerns, and talked their language. In time, the young peasant girl grew to know him, and then to love him.
This is a lovely story, but even more importantly, it reminds us of what Jesus has done for us. The Bible says, “The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us” (John 1:14). The King put aside His heavenly robes and divine prerogatives. He came to us as one of us. In time, He went to the cross and died for all of us. By Christ’s life, death and resurrection we have come to know life and love through faith. The new birth of Christ in our hearts has changed our lives forever. It is for this reason, not simply because of the season, that we celebrate the advent of Christ.
From the beginning of this wonderful season, I wish you a Merry Christmas!
Devotedly yours
Pastor Ron
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