Sunday 3 January 2021

JANUARY 3RD - TENTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS

 


Psalm 46

God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. 2 Therefore we will not fear . . . 10 He says, “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.”

We have arrived on the tenth day of Christmas.  Just like after a baby is born, the world is full of wonder of what lies ahead for us, what does the coming of the Christ child mean for all.  The wise men have not arrived yet and Mary and Joseph’s lives have been thoroughly changed.  What were Mary and Joseph contemplating with all their heavenly visitors and guests from shepherds to angels?  Were they prepared for the change or did they stick to the comforting words of scripture, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble, therefore we will not fear.” (Psalm 46:1) What lies ahead for us who know the Christ child?  Like Mary and Joseph, we need to listen to the messages from God in our daily lives. Then worship, the Word made Flesh, Jesus, because we are the shepherds and Magi for the present age.

Psalm 97 

The LORD reigns let the earth be glad; let the distant shores rejoice. The heavens proclaim his righteousness, and all peoples see his glory.

The coming of Christ is a reminder to us to” be glad, let distant shores rejoice.  The heavens proclaim his righteousness, and all peoples see his glory.” (Psalm 97:1) As we move forward through Christmas, it reminds me that this rejoicing is not for just this season but throughout the year.  The greatest challenge for all is to keep our eyes upon Jesus, even through the daily obstacles that come before us like sickness, loneliness, despair, and hardships of various types.  Look at how the apostles had their moments of weakness in faith.  Peter denying his Lord, Thomas doubting his Lord, and all those moments when the disciples of the time were persecuted.  How will response to Christ’s birth manifest itself to others? My actions need to be fruit of God’s spirit working in me, “love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” Galatians 5:22-23.  Joy through the music to praise our God, Peace through the knowing that God holds me in the palm of his hand, Kindness when dealing with others even amidst the daily frustrations and self control in my responses to my perception of the injustice in our situations.  We each individually need to think of our actions that reflect the light of Jesus Christ to show that our God Reigns eternally. 

Isaiah 52 

When the LORD returns to Zion, they will see it with their own eyes. Burst into songs of joy together...

Even as we celebrate his birth reminding us that God lives among us eternally.  Both Isaiah and Revelation point to the future.  Isaiah 52:7-8 “When the LORD returns to Zion, they will see it with their own eyes. 9 Burst into songs of joy together, you ruins of Jerusalem, for the LORD has comforted his people, he has redeemed Jerusalem.” Jerusalem was the place where a home (temple) was built for God.  To me it symbolizes the ability to be in God’s presence (New Jerusalem) for worship, prayer and to bask in his love.  Revelation 21: 22-23 “I did not see a temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. 23 The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp.”  Christmas reminds us of God’s promised Son so we can look to the time when we will all be with him in the New Jerusalem, singing his praise and infused with his love.  

As we move through the Christmas season, we need to be like Mary, Joseph, the shepherds, listening for God’s message to us.  Now is the time for listening for, praying to, and praising the Newborn King.   As we journey forward, may our lives continue to change to the rhythm of God’s call to us.  My prayer is that Jesus walk beside each of us in our wilderness times so we may respond to God’s inspiration to be His light to the world.  Rejoice in the Lord and praise his Holy Name. 

-Greg Young