I was recently watching reels of extravagant entrances to weddings, sweet sixteens and other parties.  In one the groom arrived riding on an elephant, another had a bride arriving in a Cinderella style carriage with six white horses, and a sweet sixteener had her entourage carry her in on an elaborate golden chair.  With all of it there was lots of pomp and circumstance including music to accompany the entrance. All the people who awaited their arrival were dressed beautifully and excitedly clapped at their arrival.  Now that the entrance had happened the real fun could start.  It was definitely something to behold. While I was watching all of it, I could not help but contrast the quietness of Christ’s arrival. 

The king of all creation arrives and there is no big hoopla. Scripture lets us know a few details.  It occurred in the quiet of the night, during a busy time (a census), in a small village.  Mary and Joseph found no space at an inn and in the humble abode of a manger (a cave used for baby lambs or a barn) Jesus arrives.  No kings, no dignitaries were present, no friends, no family.  Just a young holy virgin and her righteous husband.  But heaven doesn’t let this go by in full silence.  Angels excited at the new arrival- go and sing- not to the king or the rich tucked away in comfy inns surrounded by their wealth.  They go to the fields – to the shepherds – the ones sleeping under the stars.  They are the ones who get to see the angles light up the sky, sing and proclaim “Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests. (Luke 2 10-14)

Some biblical scholars think that the reason Satan didn’t know if Jesus was indeed the Christ is because of His humble entrance.  Satan, who is the father of pride, would expect an entrance worthy of God. Not poverty, indifference and darkness.  In a world full of noise where we strive to be seen and heard, how are we missing God’s daily coming into our lives?

Take the following interaction between Elijah and God

Then the LORD said: Go out and stand on the mountain before the LORD; the LORD will pass by. There was a strong and violent wind rending the mountains and crushing rocks before the LORD—but the LORD was not in the wind; after the wind, an earthquake—but the LORD was not in the earthquake; after the earthquake, fire—but the LORD was not in the fire; after the fire, a light silent sound. When he heard this, Elijah hid his face in his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave.  A voice said to him, “Why are you here, Elijah?”  (1 Kings 19 11-13)

Here in the silence is where Elijah can hear God speak to him.

We have come to believe that big entrances, opulence, and lots of noise equal important things. I remember a failing restaurant that put a bouncer and a stanchion outside and instantly became popular. Don’t get me wrong- I am not putting down the people described above and their entrances.  What I did want to point out is that sometimes we miss God because He comes in simple ways. No grand entrances.  And sometimes God misses us because we feel like we have to be something more before we can come to Him.  

God is not calling for us to make big entrances, He is just asking us to be present.  To allow ourselves to notice Him throughout the day and acknowledge Him in both His greatness and in the little things.  Because He is indeed the creator of all good things – He will be found in all.

Why am I sharing this right before Lent and not during Advent? Because my dear friend, God wants to be found. As we approach the desert let us remember what He told Jeremiah “When you call me, and come and pray to me, I will listen to you. When you look for me, you will find me. Yes, when you seek me with all your heart, I will let you find me” Jerimiah 12-14.  So, this lent, come to God in your littleness. Walk into the desert as you are because “God does not see as a mortal, who sees the appearance. The Lord looks into the heart.” (1 Samuel 16:7).  And if your heart is just as messy as a manger- don’t worry He has been there before and knows how to make it a home.

Have a blessed Lent!