Though our culture often thinks of Christmas as mostly a nostalgic time of the year with family gathered around a tree, the reality is that the first Christmas was a mega event in world history that had rippling effects up to the present moment. Though our society may think of the nativity scene primarily as a fragile little set of figurines that grandma gets out once a year, the first Nativity was anything but a ‘fragile’ or insignificant event. The reality is that the first Nativity was a larger cosmic event than the big bang that began in the universe. How can this be?
In the big bang, God spoke and swirling galaxies were formed, complex life species of all varieties rose up, and lastly, the Creator infused His own divine breath and energy into human life. In the Nativity, something greater happened. The Creator spoke, and God bound Himself to humanity (in the hypostatic union) forever in Christ Jesus.
In an age of anxiety, animosity and darkness, we need to know and experience that ancient Light that still visits us from that first Nativity. In a world that feels more and more void of meaning, we need to experience the deepest meaning that holds all things together, that holds us together. This advent, join me, Kyle King, for daily reflections on why Christmas means more than a little visit to your family or church service but instead as cosmic implications for everything you experience and encounter in this life. You may find these videos on all of Barrel Aged Faith social media accounts (YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, etc.) You can find all advent videos here: https://youtu.be/50ukJIKQMEY
Here is the Scripture Reading plan: *Readings based upon Lectionary for Mass for Use in the Dioceses of the United States ; Source: https://bible.usccb.org/bible/readings/120422.cfm
Day 1- Isaiah 2:1-5 (First Sunday of Advent, November 27th)
Day 2- Isaiah 4:2-6
Day 3- Isaiah 11:1-10
Day 4- Matthew 4:18-22 (Feast of St. Andrew the Apostle)
Day 5- Isaiah 26:1-6
Day 6- Isaiah 29:17-24
Day 7- Isaiah 30:19-21, 23-26
Day 8- Matthew 3:1-12 (Second Sunday of Advent, December 4th)
Day 9- Isaiah 35:1-10
Day 10- Isaiah 40:1-11
Day 11- Isaiah 40:25-31
Day 12- Genesis 3:9-15, 20, Luke 1:26-38 (Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary)
Day 13- Isaiah 48:17-19
Day 14- Sirach 48:1-4, 9-11; Matthew 17:9a, 10-13
Day 15- Matthew 11:2-11 (Third Sunday of Advent, December 11th)
Day 16- Revelation 11:19; 12:1-10
Day 17- Zephaniah 3:1-2, 9-13 (Feast of St. Lucy)
Day 18- Isaiah 45:6-8, 18, 21-25 (Feast of St. John of the Cross, Spanish Mystic)
Day 19- Isaiah 54:1-10
Day 20- Isaiah 56:1-3a, 6-8
Day 21- Genesis 49:2, 8-10
Day 22- Isaiah 7:10-14 (Fourth Sunday of Advent, December 18th)
Day 23- Judges 13:2-7, 24-25ALuke 1:5-25
Day 24- Luke 1:26-38
Day 25- Luke 1:39-45
Day 26- Luke 1:46-56
Day 27- Luke 1:57-66
Day 28- Luke 1:67-79
Day 29- Luke 2:1-14 (The Nativity of the Lord) Merry Christmas!
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