Lesson 5: Put the Message in a Megaphone

Advent gifts us with a megaphone.

Throughout the Christian calendar there are unique windows of time where God’s people can direct a fallen world to the goodness of our loving Savior Jesus Christ.

artwork by Sumaiyah, tenth grade

The reality is that this world is deeply broken and fractured. Hopelessness looms in the air like a dense smog. King David urges us to “taste and see that the Lord is good!” This is a bold exhortation and a wondrous invitation. He understands that most of what the world tastes is bitter and foul, and most of what they see is dour and angst-ridden. There is nothing that delectable and lasting.

Commerce and the Christmas season creates a window of mirth and joy due to the gifts, the pageantry, and family gatherings. Left to themselves these events are nothing more than a mist of perfume that provides a sweet burst of fragrance before dissipating and vanishing. The acrid stench of life resumes its place.

We, like King David, are given the opportunity to draw people towards the lasting savor of our Savior. Advent gives a window of time to introduce the world to the Joy behind the joy. In a world that is bleak with sad news we can shine brighter. In a space dominated by sadness, we can sing songs of gladness. To those mired in doubts and despair, we can pull people to their feet. To others convinced that there is no hope in this life we can direct them a Hope that will never fade.

The Gospel has a tremendous attractiveness to it. After all, it’s “good news.” Advent helps us investigate our own words and actions to see if we are living as Christ’s megaphones and drawing people to taste and see the goodness of God through both our words and our lives. If we are prone to grumbling or emanate a sour demeanor we mask the goodness of God from those who truly need to see it.

Yet, if we have apprehended the “goodness of the Lord in the land of the living” (Psalm 27:13, ESV) then we should feel joyously compelled to unleash this goodness upon a dying world through our words and through generous acts of compassion, kindness, and generosity. Our Savior gave us everything, including His very life to give us peace, and now we as His people have the amazing opportunity to go forth and declare and demonstrate that peace to the world around us.