St. Barnabas School in DeLand celebrates the presence of God that lasts beyond Christmas.

Sunday, Dec. 8
Second Sunday of Advent
Year A

Isaiah 11:1-10
Romans 15:4-13
Matthew 3:1-12
Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19

Children are great teachers. I have four between the ages of 7 to 14. As you might imagine, this time of year is quite exciting. The children are bustling with joy. As much as I might like to think their joy comes from the celebration of the birth of Jesus, I know that most of what has them bouncing up and down is the expectation of the presents they will receive. 

 My wife and I definitely buy them more than they need, but there is a limit to our willingness and ability to give. Over the years, our children have learned the limits to our giving, but they also know that those limits are theirs to explore. Therefore, they ask for things that they know fit our budget and hope we are willing to give them. However big or small the amount might be, most children learn this pretty early in life. Children everywhere are excited for Christmas, because they know that on Jesus’ birthday, His gift to us also comes with gifts of grace (presents) from others. 

What does all this have to do with Advent 2? As Matthew writes, God is going to raise up children to give glory, honor, and praise to him. We can look back and see from ages past how people of all nationalities have found their identity as children of God and have lived lives that have reflected His glory. This identity is found in Jesus, the root of Jesse.  

Although my children have to live within the context of my limitations, God knows no limits. His love has been given. and He is able to accomplish in us everything that He knows will bring us to the fullness of life. 

This hope in and through Jesus should produce something. A person who has proven to be trustworthy and true will set a heart at peace and fill a person with joy, love, and wonder. This leads to the fullness of life that God intends for His children to know and enjoy. As the Baptist proclaims, “Bear fruit worthy of repentance” (Matt. 3:8). The truth that we are God’s children and that He who forgives sin has truly forgiven us brings about excitement and expectation. We too, like my children, begin to bustle with joy for the grace that is at hand. Though presents come and go, the presence, power, and purposes of God last forever. Praise the Lord! 

The Rev. Brian Garrison is the rector of St. Barnabas Episcopal Church and School in DeLand