Note: this post was originally a part of Colonial Church’s 2020 Advent Devotional. You may access that HERE.

December 6th–The Wise Man with the Rainbow Coat 

Scripture: 

30 The angel said to her, “Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. 31 And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will name him Jesus. 32 He will be great, and will be called the Son of the Most High, and the Lord God will give to him the throne of his ancestor David. 33 He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end.” (Lk. 1:30-33)

Reflection (Sara Wilhelm Garbers): 

Andy and I decorated for Christmas just a bit early this year (November fourteenth). Ok, so it was SUPER early, but we had good reason! As Andy noted: “It’s COVID-land and I need some joy!” I agreed and for weeks now our house has been warm and bright.

Oh, I so want all of the magic of the season! I want carols, Christmas tree lights, and the glow of a fire that warms our hearts. I want Christmas Eve where we sing “Silent Night” and share light with one another as we are reminded that this is the night our Savior is born.

But this year my longings hold in view of COVID, and so I turn to the wise man in his rainbow coat because I want to be reminded that beauty and hope is still breaking forth in our world. And I invite you to consider with me this man of old, who searched far for the light of the world, and to come with whatever gifts you do have. Deck your halls, or zoom room. Look for the star and hang that strand of lights. Wear your rainbow robe or ugly Christmas sweater. And remember – remember even as you grieve. Remember that the advent of the light in our world didn’t come in the form of fireworks, but through a vulnerable baby. For this is how the light comes: it comes in the bleak midwinter, on the longest night, and in the midst of our deepest pain and fears.

The light still comes. The rainbow will punctuate the rain-soaked sky. Hope is alive. Beauty is ours. Love will win.

So deck the halls, and light your candles, dear friends.

Question:

What gifts can you bring as you wait for hope?

Prayer:

God of beauty, decorate us with patience and hope, as we wait in the bleakness of our world for your coming light. In Jesus’ name, Amen.