“A Miraculous Birth: An Advent Reflection on Hope and Deliverance”
Scripture Passage
Jgs 13:2-7, 24-25a
There was a certain man from Zorah, of the clan of the Danites, whose name was Manoah. His wife was barren and had borne no children. An angel of the LORD appeared to the woman and said to her, “Though you are barren and have had no children, yet you will conceive and bear a son. Now, then, be careful to take no wine or strong drink and to eat nothing unclean. As for the son you will conceive and bear, no razor shall touch his head, for this boy is to be consecrated to God from the womb. It is he who will begin the deliverance of Israel from the power of the Philistines.” The woman went and told her husband, “A man of God came to me; he had the appearance of an angel of God, terrible indeed. I did not ask him where he came from, nor did he tell me his name. But he said to me, ‘You will be with child and will bear a son. So take neither wine nor strong drink, and eat nothing unclean. For the boy shall be consecrated to God from the womb, until the day of his death.'” The woman bore a son and named him Samson. The boy grew up and the LORD blessed him; the Spirit of the LORD stirred him.
Grace Prayed For
Grace of Trinitarian Awareness: The story hints at the work of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Pray for the grace to grow in awareness of the Trinity’s presence in your life. Ask for a deeper understanding of their roles and a greater appreciation for their united action in bringing about God’s purposes.
Reflection
This Advent, the story of Samson’s birth carries a special resonance. It speaks of miraculous beginnings, divine intervention, and the anticipation of a deliverer. While Samson’s story ultimately unfolds with tragedy and triumph, his birth narrative offers a unique lens through which to view the coming of our Trinitarian God.
1. The Promise of the Unexpected: Manoah’s wife, barren and childless, receives the astonishing news that she will conceive a son. This echoes the countless “impossibles” that pave the way for Jesus’ birth. Mary, a virgin, conceives by the power of the Holy Spirit. Advent reminds us that God delights in overturning expectations and bringing forth new life where it seems impossible. It’s an invitation to open ourselves to the unexpected workings of God in our own lives.
2. Consecrated from the Womb: Samson is set apart, dedicated to God from his very conception. This foreshadows the holiness of Jesus, who is “holy and blameless,” set apart for God’s redemptive purpose. Advent invites us to reflect on our own lives – are we set apart for God? Do we live lives consecrated to His service? Like Samson, we are called to be holy, to live in a way that reflects our dedication to God.
3. The Spirit’s Stirring: The passage tells us that “the Spirit of the LORD stirred him.” This foreshadows the role of the Holy Spirit in the life of Jesus. From His conception, Jesus is filled with the Holy Spirit, empowered for His ministry. Advent invites us to be attentive to the stirrings of the Spirit in our own lives, to be open to His guidance and empowerment as we prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus.
4. Anticipation of a Deliverer: Samson is promised as the one who will “begin the deliverance of Israel.” This echoes the deep longing for a deliverer that runs throughout the Old Testament. Advent celebrates the ultimate fulfillment of this longing in Jesus, the true deliverer who sets us free from the power of sin and death.
5. The Trinitarian Presence: While not explicitly mentioned, the story hints at the Trinity’s involvement. The angel of the Lord, often understood as a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ, brings the message of the child. The Spirit of the Lord empowers Samson for his task. And the Father’s loving plan unfolds in the miraculous birth. Advent reminds us that God is at work in the world, bringing about His purposes through the united action of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
This Advent, let us meditate on the story of Samson’s birth. Let us be open to the unexpected workings of God in our lives. Let us dedicate ourselves anew to His service. Let us be attentive to the stirrings of the Holy Spirit. And let us celebrate the coming of Jesus, our true deliverer, with hearts filled with joy and gratitude.
Growing in Intimacy with Jesus
Embracing the Trinitarian Embrace: The story hints at the Trinity’s involvement in Samson’s birth and life. This reminds us that our relationship with Jesus is also a relationship with the Father and the Holy Spirit. As we grow in awareness of the Trinity’s presence and work in our lives, we experience a richer and more fulfilling intimacy with Jesus.
Daily Scripture Reflection
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Sharing
Jesus last words on Earth were to his disciples, can be found in Matthew Chap 28 when Jesus told his disciples, “Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”
Jesus calls all of us to share in his redemptive mission here on Earth. I would ask you to share this Scripture reflection with your family, your friends and your acquaintances, and then share it with a couple of individuals that you may may not be comfortable sharing with, keeping in mind always the words of Jesus, And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age
Author was assisted by AI in the drafting of this Post