Ripe for Harvest

S ESSION 3: L AUNCH AND A SSEMBLE • 263

The Christian gospel is a narrative. The Word did not become text or a series of abstracted propositions; the Word became flesh (John 1.14). Consequently Christian theology, if it is to be done appropriately, must take the form of a sustained engagement with the story rather then merely an engagement with the Church’s propositional responses to the story. And, since we come to know by indwelling rather than in detachment, Christian theology appropriately attempted will take the form of an indwelling of this story, being drawn into its dramas, identifying with its characterizations, tracing the movements of its plot. And since appropriate knowledge should be appropriate to its specific object, and since God is the object (or rather the irreducible subject) of theology, this engagement with the gospel story which is the appropriate form of Christian theology is appropriately worshipful and prayerful. And it is precisely this manner of worshipful and prayerful indwelling that is enabled by the liturgy of the Christian Year.

~ John E. Colwell. The Rhythm of Doctrine . Colorado Springs, CO: Paternoster, 2007, p. 7.

A. Advent: the promised Messiah

1. Biblical framework: through the covenant promise of God, a seed of the woman, of Abraham, and of David would come, crushing the head of the serpent, and redeeming God’s people.

2. Exemplar Scripture references

a. For to us a child is born, Isa. 9.6-7

b. The days are coming, Jer. 23.5-6

c. The One who is coming will reign in righteousness and peace, Isa. 11.1-10

3. Its meaning in Jesus’ history: the pre-incarnate Word, only begotten Son of God in glory

Context Values/Vision

4. The Season of the Church Year: Advent, the Coming of Christ. Advent anticipates the First and Second Comings of our Lord. God’s prophets foretold his Coming, and angels announced his birth to Mary and the shepherds. We affirm God’s promise fulfilled in the arrival of Messiah in Bethlehem.

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