Advent Prepare Together - Week 1

Why am I here?

Now there’s a question for you. And it’s not the same as, “How did I get here?” The origin of the universe is something science can try to address, but it’s not equipped to answer why. And until you know the meaning and purpose of your life, you will not experience lasting peace and happiness.

If we go back to ancient times, the predominant cultural narrative for why I’m here goes something like this:

• There are many gods who are violent, lustful, greedy and fickle;

• These gods create man and woman to be slaves, to do all the work;

• Women have no dignity — they are solely for childbearing and man’s sexual pleasure.

The dominating worldview was that human beings have no inherent dignity: you came from nowhere and you’re going nowhere. There’s no ultimate purpose to marriage, family, or life. 

What reigns in a world like that? Despair. Meaningless. Hopelessness.

How do you live? Every man for himself. Maximize pleasure and minimize pain. Don’t waste your time on kindness, integrity or being good as there are no consequences beyond this finite world.

Fast forward to today. When society decides God doesn’t exist and we become our own gods, life loses its meaning. When we refuse to be ruled by absolute truth, the only alternative is to be ruled by power. This is what we see playing out in society today (and in every age).

But if we look to answer the why question as told in the Christian story of creation, we see something very different:

• There is one, true, all-powerful God who effortlessly and generously created everything out of nothing;

• In this universe, massive beyond our understanding, the pinnacle of his creation is each one of us;

• Out of reckless love, he made us in his image and likeness, to share in his abundant divine life;

• We were made to be loved and to love, with the freedom to be in relationship with God and each other;

• Male and female he created us, equal in dignity and yet distinct persons — just like the Trinity — only together fully reflecting God’s image.

Consider the analogy of Christian marriage. When spouses have a deep abiding love for one another, their passion overflows into the creation of new life with whom they can’t wait to share their love. The same is true with God.

The Trinity is an eternal exchange of love. You and I are here because God willed to create us out of his love, he knows each of us by name, and gives us the freedom to share forever in his abundant life, joy and happiness.

In short, you matter! God could not imagine a world without you in it. He is creating a masterpiece and you play an irreplaceable part in his work of art!

Week 1 Reflection Questions

1. Do I see myself as a special, unique creation of God who was made to be loved and to love?

2. What is causing me anxiety right now, and does the Biblical story of creation impact that at all?

3. What unique combination of gifts, talents, passions, and weaknesses has God given me, and how might these be the precise tools needed for the purpose he intends only for me?