Advent. A time to prepare our hearts for the coming of the Holy One. But, instead of a contemplative, quiet time, I find these weeks leading up to Christmas can become a flurry of too many activities, too many parties, too much shopping, too much baking . . . simply too much – and not enough of me. I feel guilty when I don’t check things off my list, but I feel even more guilty when I’m running around like a whirlwind rather than remembering the meaning of Christmas. But this morning, I asked God to help me out of the frenzy, and He reminded of two important words. Imago Dei – which means image of God.
Each one of us is created in the Image of God. Our job is not our to-do list – our job is to remember we are made in His image – that we are His children. This truth seems unbelievable to me, but if we take his hand and walk with him, we can bring bits of Him into this day – and into every task, however small.
Imago Dei – God also has his fingerprints on everything he has created. I think part of living out our Imago Dei is having eyes to see Him everywhere. When we walk with Him, His paths may seem circuitous but that’s okay. I remember the walks I used to take with my younger son when he was a toddler. It was never a straight walk – he constantly was dashing off here or there to find a delight. The crunch of a leaf – the shape of a rock – a small critter playing hide and seek with us – or maybe a footprint in the mud. These walks would seem frustrating until I let go of my plan and entered into his delight – the delight my little boy experienced in the Imago Dei – because even though this tiny child had lived on this earth for only three years, he was quick to recognize God’s fingerprints everywhere. Imago Dei. Once I would let go, I would find great joy watching my little boy discover God’s fingerprints on his creation
Imago Dei – I think God enjoys watching our delight as we discover his finger prints on the seemingly ordinary. It’s more difficult for adults – we have responsibilities and duty – and we are quick to trivialize our down time.
Imago Dei – it is all around us – this image of God – each one of you has been made in His image, and just by your being alive and present, you reflect His image.
This truth is unbelievable to me, but when I try to live it, I find peace – and I pray this peace for each of you during Advent and always.
holymeetsordinary 