Can We Find Him in Daily Life?

Christ comes into our lives every day: in the faces of the people we meet, in the words of Scripture, in the promptings of the Holy Spirit, in the silent moments spent in the car or at home. The important question is: can we recognize Him in the ordinary ways that He is present to us? Can we find Him in daily life?

Paul tells us in Colossians 3:4: “Your real life is Christ and when he appears, then you too will appear with him and share his glory” (Good News Translation). In explaining this passage, well known theologian and author, Rowan Williams, says: “Paul writes as though the reality of Christ’s life in his people never completely becomes visible in this life, in this world: the deepest truth of who we are in Jesus Christ is hidden” (Advent Letter, Dec. 2, 2012). Let us consider Williams’ words: there is a “hidden” quality of our faith. What can we learn from this “hiddenness?”

It is natural for us to feel lonely or isolated at times in our spiritual journey. Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 13:12: “Now we see but a poor reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known.” At this stage in life, our relationship with God is mediated, to a large extent, through our five senses. We struggle to “see” God with our earthly means. As we grow in faith however, we gain “confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see” (see: Hebrews 11:1). We begin to catch glimpses of Christ in daily life and in our Christian imagination. We also realize that God’s help is needed to find Christ. Time needs to be spent listening for and seeking Him. We must “be still” before Him (see: Psalm 46:10).

As the drama of Christmas continues to unfold before us this Advent, can we find Christ? Can His message and grace reach us? Let us be intentional about seeking Him, asking God for help with prayer, slowing down to notice things, using an Advent devotional or other scriptural devotional, turning off the radio in our cars for prayer or silence, praying before eating, praying deeply during church, singing and listening to Christmas carols, and finding joy in Christmas traditions. As we gather each week in Advent to prepare for and celebrate our Lord’s birth, let us remember God’s promise that those who seek Him will find what they are looking for (Matthew 7:7; Jeremiah 29:13; Proverbs 8:17): Immanuel, God with us, a true reason for celebration and praise.