As we begin our Advent journey, we start with Hope. This week in our reading of the Proverbs, we are reminded of another beginning, that of creation itself. The first half of chapter 8 focuses on the gifts of wisdom, and the encouragement of the student or hearer to make wisdom and knowledge the most valuable thing, more so than silver and gold. The second half deals with wisdom in creation. Let’s read that:

http://bible.oremus.org/?ql=410927957

In the verses 22-36, the author illustrates the intimate part that wisdom played in creations. From the shaping of the hills and mountains to the carving of the deep, wisdom was there as constant partner in the dance of creating the cosmos.

For most of us, the story of creation is a familiar one. Perhaps it is because we have heard it told so often in our places of worship or, just as likely, because we have heard it told and retold in many different ways from a variety of traditions. What is often a common thread is that there is a time of transition, a movement from one state to another. Mostly it is from a state of chaos or nothingness to order and otherness.

But who is Wisdom at the dawn of creation? For us when we conceptualize God, we use a trinitarian formula of Father, Son, and Spirit. We know that the first person of the trinity is there because we can see them as an active force in the story from Genesis. The other two are more subtle and revealed in their fullness in later books of the Bible. Here in Proverbs we see that the Holy Spirit was indeed present in the form Wisdom, offering guidance and order to the coming creation. Christ the Son is revealed to have also be present at creation in the gospel of John. We often call Christ the Word Incarnate, and so when we review the story of creation we see that the Word has much to do in that everything is spoken into being.

All of this points to the dance that is creation, and it is important to know that it is not an event in time, but an ongoing work of the Divine Partners. Even still, it is not just God at work in creation, but us as well. As we listen for the still small voice of the Holy Spirit, as we seek the Wisdom that is described in the book of Proverbs, we become a part of that creative work.

As we strive to do our part in the work of creation, let us pray:

Transforming God, by Word, by Wisdom, and by the work of your hand, you shape daily creation and our lives. Empower and encourage us to be part of the building up of your kingdom of love. Inspire us with the wisdom that comes from the Spirit. Guide us with the feet of Christ that go before us. All this we ask in your glorious name. AMEN

Blessings,
Rev. Richard