Advent Devotional by Blane Baker
Mark 9:9-13
As they were coming down the mountain, Jesus gave them orders not to tell anyone what they had seen until the Son of Man had risen from the dead. (Mark 9:9)
One of our favorite activities as kids was building make-believe forts in our living room. Usually, our forts had walls made of piles of pillows and a covering consisting of a heavy blanket draped over some furniture. Within the walls and covering, we found reassurance and our safe place. Following Jesus’ transfiguration, three of His disciples were confused and terrified and looking for reassurance.
The transfiguration of Jesus is truly mysterious. After a puzzling statement about the kingdom of God, Jesus took Peter, James, and John to a high place apart from everyone else. There, they witnessed Jesus’s transformation and the appearance of Elijah and Moses. Not knowing how to respond, the terrified disciples proposed to make three tabernacles—one for Jesus, one for Moses, and one for Elijah. Still confused, a cloud surrounded the group, and God proclaimed Jesus as His Son and gave the command to listen to Him. Then, they were alone with Jesus.
As they descended the mountain, Jesus commanded them not to reveal what had just happened until the Son of Man rose from the dead. They questioned this and other sayings as they continued their trek. In the days that followed, these mysteries were revealed and have continued to be revealed to us over time. Like the transfiguration, the mystery and spirit of Christmas are also ever-emerging.
The Triune God came to us through the person of Jesus Christ. That act allows us to have a personal relationship with a God that is beyond our comprehension. Even in this mystery, we find reassurance in the knowledge that God’s vision will emerge over time. We get new glimpses and develop new understanding each time we experience God. My prayer this season is that God will help us see new insights and gain greater wisdom as we contemplate the mystery of Christmas.
Blane Baker