One of the perennial temptations during Advent is the temptation to the wrong kind of perfection. Yes, Scripture does say “Be perfect as your heavenly Father is perfect.” But it is easy for that pursuit to become one spurred on by the flesh rather than the Spirit. Fathers insist that every dollar be spent just right. Mothers fret about every member of the family minding their manners at the meals and looking like happy bedazzled elves on the Christmas card. Children nostalgically insist that this holiday have the magic of past years.

But Christ’s arrival was anything but that kind of perfection. Bethlehem had no vacancy. People murmured about the scandal of Mary’s pregnancy. Herod sharpened his sword. Pagans showed up not entirely clear about what was going on. And God sent the main invitations to blue-collar men who made their living protecting mindless and insecure animals.

Even when this perfect meal was instituted, there was Judas the traitor at table, the disciples who would soon desert the Lord, and Peter putting his foot in his mouth about a head-washing during a foot-washing.

If our Lord’s formal institution of this table had its imperfections, how much more your table? How much more your giving and receiving? 

Every week you hear that this bread is the body of Christ broken for you. And while He is not continually sacrificed. You must continually draw upon that sacrifice. The only perfect sacrifice is behind you. The only perfect gift is behind you. And the Spirit of God has fresh supplies of that gift for you and yours. You arrived at this table by that Spirit and you will grow into a perfect man by Him. So come in faith and welcome to Jesus Christ.