Over the years I’ve learned to answer some of the more difficult theological questions I’m asked with, “well, God’s God, and I’m not…so I don’t have all the answers. What do you think of _______?” It’s not that I aim to shy away from difficult theological issues. In fact, in the right setting, I thoroughly enjoy them. I just believe, at some point, we have to accept that we can’t have all the answers.
Some of the more challenging questions around Christianity often involve the trinity. How can God be THREE in ONE? If each person has distinct roles, doesn’t that make them different? And, why do we call the three entities “persons” if they weren’t all really people? Some of my favorite moments in seminary were debating these questions, and I’m not sure I have more complete answers today than I did then.
Of the four titles we’re looking at in Isaiah this Advent season, Everlasting Father is the most difficult for me to grasp…because of questions around the trinity. If God is Father, Jesus is Son, and the Holy Spirit is…the Holy Spirit (or my favorite out of John, the advocate), then why do we include “Everlasting Father” in the story about Jesus’ birth?
I wish the answer was simple (and we’ll unpack possible answers in church today!). However, Jesus took on the role of a parent over and over again for his followers. He noticed them, cared for them, looked out for them, stood up for them…all roles that a good parent fulfills. The name Everlasting Father takes the image of a grandiose and mighty king, and makes it personal. God cares for you.
Today, I’d encourage you to reflect on that reality. You are loved. The creator of the universe is looking out for you. God —three-in-one, who has all the answers — cares for you.
