Advent is Like a Prison Cell
Advent (the arrival of Christ) was an earthshattering event! Never before has there been a person with so much influence on human history than a homeless baby boy who was born in a stable in Bethlehem. All throughout church history, people have attempted to put into words the mystery and significance of the incarnation. One that has been thought provoking for me recently comes from Dietrich Bonhoeffer.
In 1943, Bonhoeffer was placed in a Nazi prison where he would spend about 2 years before his execution. Later that year, he spent some extended time reflecting on the Advent season in preparation for Christmas. On November 21, 1943, the German pastor wrote:
“Life in a prison cell may well be compared to Advent; one waits, hopes, and does this, that, or the other—things that are really of no consequence—the door is shut, and can be opened only from the outside.”
Bonhoeffer shared this observation not to communicate that our daily actions are meaningless. He devoted much of his time in prison to praying and speaking with fellow prisoners, communicating with friends and family members, and writing many documents we have available to us today. Rather, Bonhoeffer was acknowledging that despite his best efforts there was nothing he could do to free himself from the prison cell. His work or lack of work could not alter his physical circumstances. The only way to experience freedom is if the right person were to open the prison cell from the outside.
Bonhoeffer recognized that this is what Christ has done for us! Jesus came into our broken world from the outside—God in the flesh to redeem a people lost in sin. There were no good human works that somehow influenced Christ’s coming, but it was done completely out of the Lord’s own will and grace. Christ is the only one with the keys to open the prison cell of our sin saturated world. The good news of His coming is that you and I can experience freedom and victory in Christ!
In our world today, there are a lot of messages telling us to look inward to find truth, joy, or completeness. We are told to be true to ourselves, do what makes us happy, or find our own purpose that will help us find meaning. In contrast, Advent is a reminder that even our best efforts cannot lead us to lasting truth, joy, or satisfaction. We need a more perfect person, God Himself, to invade our lives from the outside and offer us new life!
This Christmas season isn’t about us. It’s about Him! Let us cling to the only one who offers true peace and love this Christmas!
Jacob Abrahamson
Youth Pastor