Advent, an opportunity to re-calibrate my heart to God’s invitations.

“Jesus said to them, ‘Come and have breakfast.'”
John 21:12 (italics mine)

John 21:4-13 records the third time Jesus appears to his disciples after the resurrection. The disciples had returned to what they knew, fishing. But this was a frustrating night–no fish.

Jesus knew. And he recognized the perfect opportunity to love his disciples well.

“At dawn …” (verse 4). Jesus waited for the right time, the time that he knew the disciples would be frustrated. These professional fishermen had caught nothing all night. I imagine they were feeling discouraged.

“Jesus said to them, ‘Children, do you have any fish?'” (verse 5). Jesus initiated toward his disciples, his followers, his children.

“He said to them, ‘Cast the net on the right side of the boat,'” (verse 6). Jesus guides them to the success. He knew what was important to them.

“When they got out on land, they saw a charcoal fire in place, with fish laid out on it, and bread.” (verse 9). Jesus was ready; he served them. He knew they would be hungry.

“Jesus said to them, ‘Bring some of the fish that you have just caught.'” (verse 10). Jesus honors them. He acknowledges their hard work, their obedience, and their ability to contribute to the breakfast.

“Jesus said to them, ‘Come and have breakfast.'” (verse 12). Jesus invites them. Oh how good those words must have sounded to the disciples. Perhaps they heard …

Come, I’m ready for you; breakfast is prepared.
Come, be nourished.
Come, be with me.
Come, so I can be with you.
Come, enjoy.
Come, relax.
Come and rest. Your work for the night is done.

Advent, Christmas is coming. In this season of the good news of great joy, I too can identify with the disciples. Like them, I am a child of God. And like them, my normals can frustrate. I’m not making the progress I want to make. And in the midst, Jesus is here and Jesus offers me the same invitation,

Sue, come, I’m ready.
Sue, come be nourished.
Sue, come be with with me.
Sue, come, I want to be with you.
Sue, come enjoy.
Sue, come relax.
Sue, come and rest.

My heart is to respond. Yes, Jesus, thank you for your invitation. I’m coming. I want to have breakfast with you. I feel so cared for, overwhelmed, thankful, wanted, loved, humbled, and so much more.

“We can only be said to be alive in those moments
when our hearts are conscious of our treasures.”
Thornton Wilder