The last few years during Advent I have been reflecting on the amazing paradox in the lives of Christian believers. Solomon, in all of his wisdom, seems to be the first one that really brought out the amazing reality of God in his greatness (transcendence) and in his closeness (immanence). Remember with me for a moment to the dedication of the great temple in Jerusalem built under Solomon's reign. When the people came together to dedicate the temple to God, Solomon prayed one of the most amazing prayers recorded in Scripture. It begins in 2 Chronicles 5:14, but I will pick up the prayer in verse 18:
"But will God indeed reside with mortals on earth? Even heaven and the highest heaven cannot contain you, how much less this house that I have built! Regard your servant's prayer and his plea, O LORD my God, heeding the cry and the prayer that your servant prays to you. May your eyes be open day and night toward this house, the place where you promised to set your name, and may you heed the prayer that your servant prays toward this place. And hear the plea of your servant an of your people Israel, when they pray toward this place; may you hear from heaven your dwelling place; hear and forgive."
Solomon knew that the great creator of the universe could not be contained in the expanse of the heavens, much less within a building made with human hands. However, he also knew that God so desired to be with the people that he could make his presence known even within the four walls of a temple made with human hands. How that is possible is beyond human comprehension. God did come and dwell among the people of Israel within their temple. After he finished praying, we are told that "fire came down from heaven and consumed the burnt offering and the sacrifices; and the glory of the LORD filled the temple."
| Artist's rendition of Solomon's Temple filled with Glory of God |
The same paradox becomes even more evident in the birth of Jesus Christ. John's gospel states it this way, "The Word became flesh and dwelt among us." The awesome God that the heavens could not hold became close to humanity by taking on the body of a man-child. How is this possible? How can something that is beyond the scope of containment be contained? I'm sure there are all kinds of philosophy terms that someone smarter than I am can use to explain it. However, when it comes right down to it the answer is love.
St. Paul tells us that all true followers of God are built into a temple together upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets with Jesus Christ as the cornerstone. The Holy Spirit dwells there, within us, the temple of God just as the glory of God filled Solomon's temple. How is that possible? Once again, it comes from the love of God the Father for a broken and hurting humanity. It is good for us to pause during the weeks leading up to Christmas to meditate on God's out-pouring glory into his holy temple. It is good for us to remember that love is the motivation and the reason that the paradox of God's transcendence and God's immanence are both found within our savior Jesus Christ. Until next time...
+May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God the Father, and the communion of the Holy Spirit be with you.
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