Christmas Overture
The Advent of the Messiah
Live in the light of God (Isaiah 2:5)
From the Psalms of Solomon
(http://wesley.nnu.edu/sermons-essays-books/noncanonical-literature/noncanonical-literature-ot-pseudepigrapha/the-psalms-of-solomon)For there was none among them that wrought righteousness and justice; (20) From the chief of them to the least (of them) all were sinful; 22 The king was a transgressor, and the judge was disobedient, and the people sinful. 23 (21) Behold, O Lord, and raise up unto them their king, the son of David, At the time in the which Thou seest, O God, that he may reign over Israel Thy servant 24 (22) And gird him with strength, that he may shatter unrighteous rulers, 25 And that he may purge Jerusalem from nations that trample (her) down to destruction. (23) Wisely, righteously 26 he shall thrust out sinners from (the) inheritance, He shall destroy the pride of the sinner as a potter's vessel. (24) With a rod of iron he shall break in pieces all their substance, 21 He shall destroy the godless nations with the word of his mouth;
For Reflection
The Romans were in the lengthy process of transforming themselves from a republic into a monarchy led by an emperor/god. It held military, economic, political, and ideological power strongly and firmly. But those who celebrated the birth of Jesus lacked any vestige of military or political power.
So the Jews came against Rome with ideology against ideology theology against theology. They too expected a strong forceful leader, a messiah, who would defeat the Roman injustices. Then all shall be holy. This messiah's victory will be won by "the word of his mouth." As in Genesis, the word is the transformational ability of God. Unlike the Roman god who established peace by violence, the Messiah would establish justice non-violently.
Pray Praise God for the gift of Jesus. Thank God for the wisdom of striving for justice in an unjust world.
Forward to a friend | 
