The Mystery: Good

"...to make everyone see what is the plan of the mystery hidden for ages in God who created all things..."

Ephesians 3

Throughout the readings on Epiphany - today - you see the word "mystery." God's plan is a mystery. It is not clear, not evident, not obvious.

It is clear that there is God, that He has a plan, that he's involved. But what is not clear is what the plan is, exactly. we know that the plan is centered in Christ; and that the big goal is eternal life (infinite possibilities in infinite combinations). 

Let me pause to discuss this infinite possibilities part. Humanity is so restless. We want to be able to have what we want. And we want it now. I believe it is all possible in eternity. But in this life we must learn discipline. We must learn self-control, obedience, humility, purity. But in eternity it's all open to us. If we long for something that we can't have, or can't have easily, it doesn't mean the longing is wrong. It just means that perhaps it is something we must wait for. And the waiting makes it more than worthwhile.

But the mystery in Christ - - - that's an exciting thing. God made us love mysteries, and He gave us the greatest mystery of all: what's it going to be like?

And so as we pass from the season of lights, to the season of mystery, we look ahead to the revealing of God's plan, in Christ. And we return to the knowledge that the Bethlehem cycle takes us forward to a place we have known: where we encounter God, and it fascinates us, and we want more.