Advent 2024

It’s been almost a year since I embarked on this adventure. Back in December 2023, I proudly shared a blog post featuring an image of a classic nativity scene, complete with visible spotlights stealing the show. I couldn’t help but comment on the situation, pointing out that the quirky lighting highlights that Jesus is still managing to make his point to this day.

I began with a picture I quite fancied: and I’m ending with a picture I absolutely can’t stand. It’s AI-created and depicts a radiant Jesus as if he’s about to start glowing. Some figures in robes are reaching out to him. I specifically asked for visible scars, but none are to be found in the image. He’s clad in white robes and appears rather Nordic.

One of the headings on that first post last Christmas became a theme, ” The Godhead and humanity intertwined.” I never meant it to be a series. It sort of grew organically, and here we are at the end with an event in the life of Jesus that hasn’t happened yet.

Advent – the return of Jesus

Scars still visible

In the Gospel of John, when Jesus showed up to the disciples, he put Thomas in the hot seat, asking him to touch the scars. I mean, talk about show and tell, right? Jesus wasn’t just flashing some scars; he made sure they were real to the touch.

Someone shared with me this year that in heaven, the scars of Jesus will be the only scars and we will all be healed and scarless. As a person living with a disability, I find this perspective unhelpful, and I cannot find anything in the Bible that suggests that healing means there will be no scarring, either on earth or in heaven. This belief reflects the bias against disabled individuals in the church. In John 20, Jesus showed his scars to the disciples, which leads me to believe that everybody’s scars will be visible in heaven, and they will be beautiful. Disability does not hinder anyone from being a complete person, and scars do not either. In heaven, there will be no more pain, but where does it say there will be no more scars?

The Godhead and humanity intertwined

Jesus has risen, ascended, and been glorified, but he still bears the scars of his crucifixion. When he returns, we will gaze upon those scars. The signs of his humanity remain, showing that it did not fade when he ascended to heaven. These scars serve as evidence that Jesus’ humanity is unchanged and that the nature of the godhead was forever transformed at the incarnation.

I have emphasized many times that the nature of the Godhead has changed. Maybe I’m mistaken, but I use this phrase to stress that Christ’s humanity means that God truly understands what it means to be human. In Genesis, it states that mankind was made in the image of God. If our humanity came from God, it is conceivable that God has always comprehended the human condition. No matter how we perceive it, the fact remains that God understands and loves us in our failings, rebellions, and even in those rare moments when we get it right. Forgiveness and grace are fundamental aspects of the nature of God.

God created humans in his image, so it is natural for us to carry the nature of God within us as humans. As Christians, we are blessed with the presence of the Holy Spirit God’s humanityin us. We also can demonstrate forgiveness and grace, and live in alignment with the divine image within us, guided by the indwelling Holy Spirit. This is what it means to live in the kingdom of God and to reflect God’s likeness.

Before I finish, I want to express why I have an issue with the image I used. It’s not because the Northern European appearance is inaccurate. Having images of Jesus like us helps us to relate to him. But let other races have their Jesus pictures as well. Jesus is for all people, for all races. The reason I struggle with the picture is that it lacks a sense of connection. Where is the Jesus who calls his followers his brothers and sisters? I suspect that Artificial intelligence is too artificial to have a relationship with Jesus. Christians have a relationship with Jesus whether they recognise it or not. When Joseph Scriven wrote the hymn What a Friend We Have in Jesus, he truly meant it.

Jesus will return with unparalleled glory and majesty, as affirmed in the Communion Service when we joyfully declare, “Christ has died. Christ is risen, Christ will come again.” The certainty of His return is as resolute as His sacrificial death and glorious resurrection. When He comes back, it will be a triumphant reunion with those who have passed and a glorious gathering with those who still believe. Such is the fervent anticipation of the day when we will be forever united with Him.

Pray that the Holy Spirit within you will prepare you to meet Jesus.

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The Godhead and humanity intertwined
Incarnation – Epiphany – The baptism of Jesus – Temptation – Good Friday – Easter – Ascension – Pentecost – Trinity – The Return