“When I was brought low, He saved me.” Psalm 116:6b NIV

There are two great ‘seasons’ which are celebrated by the church world wide. One is Lent, the six weeks leading up to Holy Week and the Passion of the Christ, leading to Easter. The other is Advent, a quiet, contemplative time “Where meek souls will receive Him still, the dear Christ enters in.” (From O Little Town of Bethlehem.)

In this season, I find myself pondering two things. First, the “why?” Why would the Heavenly Father allow His only Son to enter the world as a small, poor, vulnerable baby? Why would He not give him the protection of Kings’ palaces and royal guards, instead relying on the dreams and ability for those given His care to discern the Still, Small, Voice and obey it, to be the Holy Infant’s protection? How much faith, love, devotion to mankind did the Father show in the amazing Gift of His Son entering this world. He was sent to save us.

“Long lay the world, in sin and error pining, till He appeared and the soul felt its worth.” (From O Holy Night.)

Which brings me to the second thing I am pondering this year: That the very reason the Godhead decided to send the Savior into the world this way was to remind us that age after age, century after century, year after year, God does INDEED enter into our world, and that intersectionality is part of His character of compassion towards not only we who believe, but indeed towards all mankind. All whom He created.

For we have NEVER not needed a Savior. Not even in the longest years of peacetime (of which there are precious few in this strife torn world) or in the greatest seasons of prosperity.

For though our hearts and flesh long for wealth and security for our well being, it is still the songs of the angels, and heralds of the prophets, the words of the preachers and the Still, Small, Voice from within that sees us, steadies us, holds us secure. It will be no other way.

Jesus told his followers, “In this world you shall have tribulation, but be of good cheer. For I have overcome the world!” (See John 16:33) It is IN HIM that we find the victory, safety and peace for which our souls cry out.

Praise be to God for such a glorious Savior. The One who came to seek and save that which was lost and who takes away the sin of the WHOLE world. (See Luke 19:10; John 1:29)

Blessed be His name: Savior.

~ Debbie Ecker