Bored by This Baby?

Impatience during advent might be the sin most inconsistent with the season. Stinginess around Christmas might be the sin most obnoxious. And maybe the most offensive sin when it comes to the celebration of the incarnation is boredom.

Boredom here is not merely struggling to occupy yourself to fill the time, boredom here is a selfish refusal to appreciate the truth, goodness, and beauty before you. It denies what is great, it fails to appreciate what is amazing. Boredom is being too soul-weary to wonder.

“Boredom is not neutral, it is the fertilizing principle of unloveliness.” —Robert Capon

We have helps during advent, such as good wine and good songs. There are touching stories that give us the “feels” for a bit. But these can be like comets, soon flaming out. If you want the heat and light to last, look to the Sun of Righteousness (Malachi 4:2). Rehearse the realities of Immanuel. Consider:

Jesus’ birth had been anticipated since the Lord’s promise to Eve, around a 4000 year wait. Jesus’ birth alone fulfilled at least eight specific prophecies in the Old Testament. Jesus’ birth brought cosmic signs and the angelic host to sing to shepherds. Jesus’ birth meant “God with us,” and somehow, the one who upholds the universe by the word of His power (Hebrews 1”3) did so from Mary’s womb. As Miss Pevensie once remarked, somehow a stable held something bigger than our world.

Jesus’ birth set in motion the fulfillment of three unconditional covenants. Jesus’ birth inaugurated the purchase of the certain salvation of all those the Father gave Him. Jesus’ birth marked the change of time on earth, BC to AD.

So in the year of our Lord 2025, though you may be weary, don’t be wearied in giving attention and affections to Immanuel!