Christmas Overture
The Advent of the Messiah
Live in the light of God (Isaiah 2:5) Isaiah 61:4-9 New Revised Standard Version4 They shall build up the ancient ruins,
they shall raise up the former devastations;
they shall repair the ruined cities,
the devastations of many generations. 5 Strangers shall stand and feed your flocks,
foreigners shall till your land and dress your vines;
6 but you shall be called priests of the Lord,
you shall be named ministers of our God;
you shall enjoy the wealth of the nations,
and in their riches, you shall glory.
7 Because their[a] shame was double,
and dishonor was proclaimed as their lot,
therefore they shall possess a double portion;
everlasting joy shall be theirs. 8 For I the Lord love justice,
I hate robbery and wrongdoing;[b]
I will faithfully give them their recompense,
and I will make an everlasting covenant with them.
9 Their descendants shall be known among the nations,
and their offspring among the peoples;
all who see them shall acknowledge
that they are a people whom the Lord has blessed.
For Reflection
What would the world look like if God's plan for humanity was fully realized? The Gospel message that begins with the Christ event would become the prevailing philosophical and spiritual basis for every-day-walking around life. Next, human beings would repair their devastated relationships with God. Then believers and non-believers would serve the Lord. Truth, love, justice, and peace would become the dominant operating culture. Diversity in the practicum would be its strength.
Is this what Isiah indicates? Not that I can tell. A priestly class dominates Isaiah's world, and the non-believers are servants. But what if that common interpretation is wrong? After all, the Christ Event turned everything upside down. That which the Hebrews expected was not in the cards. The post-Jesus world included pagans in the priesthood, ministers of the word.
The Lord loves justice. What could be more just than a spiritual philosophy of inclusion; Jews and Gentiles, men and women, gay and straight, the domiciled and the homeless? In Christ, there is no East or West, North or South. All are equal in the eyes of God.
PrayPraise God for the gift of Jesus. Pray for the unity which can only come through the Holy Spirit.
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