More than 2000 years ago, an event occured that forever changed our history. As Christmas approaches, we remember and celebrate the first coming of Christ and the hope that He brought to the world. The atmosphere is filled with joy, reflection, and anticipation. But beyond the familiar carols and festive lights, this season also brings along with it an exciting invitation for the Church to reflect on its true calling: unity. Christ came to reconcile us to God but that relationship is multi-dimensional – it was equally a call for us to live together as one Body in Him.
When Jesus came into the world, He brought the ultimate message of unity – a reconciliation not only with God but with one another. His life and ministry showed us how to live together as one united Body, putting aside our differences for a higher purpose. However, in today’s world, we often find ourselves divided by denominational differences, doctrinal disputes, and disagreements over worship styles. These things can distract us from the powerful message of unity that Jesus modeled for us. While each denomination and tradition offers a unique perspective, we must remember that we are all part of the same Body of Christ. How can we reconcile our differences and still live out the call for unity that Jesus so passionately desired?
In 1 Corinthians 12:13-14, the apostle Paul encourages us: “For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body… Even so, the body is not made up of one part but of many.” This passage is a beautiful reminder that we are one in Christ. While we may be different in many ways, we are called to function together as a unified Body. The Church, in all its diversity, is meant to reflect the fullness of God’s kingdom. Each part -whether large or small – is essential to the overall health and mission of the Body.
Embracing Our Unity
The Bible is full of wisdom and warnings about the dangers of division. In 2 Timothy 3:1-5, Paul warns us that in the last days, selfishness, discord, and pride will prevail. Such attitudes weaken our relationships and hinder the Church’s ability to function as God intended. These signs remind us that we must be on guard against division in our own hearts and communities. Likewise, 1 Peter 5:8 reminds us that the devil “prowls like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” The enemy is always at work, trying to isolate us, just like a lion hunting its prey by separating it from the safety of the herd. When we allow ourselves to be separated, we become vulnerable.
The reality today is that many young believers find the Church to be fragmented, irrelevant, or focused on issues that seem unimportant. Disagreements about worship styles, entertainment, or even doctrinal preferences often overshadow the greater mission of proclaiming the Gospel. Every time someone walks away from the Church because of these divisions, the enemy gains a foothold. This is why it is so important for us to remember the deeper purpose of the Church: to reflect the unity that Christ came to bring and to be a beacon of hope to a divided world.
The Gift of the Incarnation
This Advent season invites us to reflect on the Incarnational Tradition – the profound truth that God came to dwell among us, not only to redeem us but to unite us. In his book Streams of Living Water, Richard Foster beautifully captures this idea, reminding us that God is present in every moment of our lives. We don’t have to look far to see His hand at work. The Incarnation challenges us to see beyond our differences and to embrace the deeper unity that God desires for us.
When we embrace this incarnational perspective, we are able to move beyond the surface-level disagreements that divide us. We can focus instead on the shared mission of living out God’s love and grace. Imagine the power of a Church where believers from every background – whether Catholic, Protestant, or from any other tradition – come together to work in unity, drawing from one another’s strengths. Protestants can learn from the Catholic emphasis on contemplative prayer and social justice, while Catholics can be inspired by the Protestants’ emphasis on freedom in worship and discipleship. Together, we can strengthen one another and make a greater impact in the world.
Building Deep, Strong, and Wide
This Advent, let’s commit to three goals that will help us build the unity that Christ desires for His Church:
1. Build Deep: Let’s deepen our personal relationship with God and with one another. True unity comes from building real, meaningful relationships that are rooted in love, trust, and shared commitment to Christ. Let’s take the time to grow closer to each other, supporting and encouraging one another in our walks of faith.
2. Build Strong: Discipleship is key to building a strong Church. It’s not enough to simply attend church services – we are called to grow in our faith and help others do the same. By investing in one another’s spiritual growth, we create a community that is strong, resilient, and prepared to face the challenges of a broken world. Let’s commit to equipping one another to serve with love and perseverance.
3. Build Wide: Unity should extend beyond our church walls. As we grow in Christ, we are called to share His love with those around us. This means reaching out to our communities, sharing the Gospel, and praying for peace and healing in a divided world. Let’s look for opportunities to serve others and bring the light of Christ into places that desperately need hope.
United as One Church
The pandemic has shown us just how important community is. While it’s possible to worship alone, there is a unique blessing that comes from gathering together as the Body of Christ. When we come together, we are reminded of our shared identity in Christ and the power of the Holy Spirit working in us as a collective. The Apostle Paul reminds us that the Spirit dwells not just in us individually, but in us corporately as the Body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:13-14). This is why gathering together as the Church is so important – it strengthens our sense of community and encourages us to grow in unity.
As we celebrate the birth of Christ, let’s lift our eyes to the bigger picture. Advent is not just a time to reflect on His coming; it’s a time to live out the unity He came to bring. Let’s transcend denominational barriers, stand together in faith, and be a light to a world in desperate need of hope. Together, we can make a difference. Let’s build bridges, learn from one another, and worship as one Church, under one Spirit, for one purpose: the glory of God.
Ephesians 6:12 reminds us, “Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Let’s live out the unity that Christ’s birth calls us to, bringing glory to God and peace to all.
This article is an adaptation of Let Us Build the Body of Christ Collectively, Not as Individual Churches, But as The Church intended as a timely encouragement during the season.
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