I offer a point of view about how we receive Christ in this Advent season by examining something exciting and supernatural. In chapters 1 and 2 of Matthew's gospel, we see a series of unusual experiences centered around the arrival of King Jesus. They confront our sensibilities and invite us to broaden our expectations of God's power. What are these unique experiences? They center on two sets of characters. 

First, Joseph, Mary, and Jesus. Second, the Wise Men. When reading the account of Mary's conception, Joseph's learning of Mary's pregnancy, and the birth of Jesus, we notice that God gives Joseph four dreams. Each dream carries a specific point of direction and action. Secondly, after finding Jesus and worshipping Him, the wise men are warned in a dream not to return to Herod. Herod's desire to worship Jesus is false and a cover-up for his real intent: to kill Jesus, his rival threat and king. 

Five dreams within two sets of people are extraordinary! God's efforts to speak to these people are fantastic. Why does God do this?

1. God loves people and desires to forgive and dwell among us. 

2. God the Father sends God the Son in the power of God the Spirit. The Trinity fully involves itself in human beings' redemption, salvation, and transformation. 

3. God invites human beings to participate in the plans of heaven, thus demonstrating a "Heaven on Earth" reality. 

4. God protects His son Jesus, His plan for redemption, and the humans involved in this divine moment by giving warning dreams to Joseph and the Wise Men. 

During the Advent season, I want us to experience God's love for ourselves and others. Receive His forgiveness, give forgiveness and embrace His indwelling presence. Welcome the Trinity into our lives and contemplate what it means for us. Collaborate with God during these days by doing good, being generous, and sharing your testimony. Remember that God enables our life purpose with His protecting, promise-keeping might. 

Photo by Laura Nyhuis on Unsplash