Photo of Nativity Silhouette Outside Banff Parish Church.
Thought for the Day Dec 21-27
Monday Matthew 1.19-20 “Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. But an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.”
The decency of Joseph is one of the overlooked gifts in the Christmas story. Joseph had rights which he refused to impose. Gentleness that refuses to hurt, and love that persists through such a difficult situation – what a fiancé! The angel’s explanation might seem a bit far-fetched – but then miracles are not meant to be plausible. God does the unexpected, and we are left to wonder…and worship.
Tuesday Matthew 1.21 “She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”
Jesus wasn’t an unusual name in first century Jewish society. An ordinary name, but for one whose birth would be extraordinary in the history of the universe. Jesus would fulfil the promise of a long awaited move on the part of God. God’s answer to sin is this promised child; God’s love is embodied in this child embodied in Mary; God’s eternal purpose comes to fulfilment in the birth of Jesus into our human history. “Late in time behold him come, offspring of a virgin’s womb…”
Wednesday Luke 1.12 “Zechariah was startled and gripped with fear…” Matthew 1.19; “Mary was greatly troubled at the angel’s words…”; Luke 1.29 “The angel said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife…”
Fear is scary! It’s hard to think straight when we are really frightened. In all the sentiment and celebration of Christmas, it is worth remembering the mixture of shock, terror and life-changing events that happened unasked to those who lived through that first Christmas. And their response to their fear was faith, a radical trust that all this strangeness was because God was bursting into human history. Christmas is more than a comfort story – it is a new beginnings story.
Thursday – Christmas Eve. Luke 2.10 -11 “But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Saviour has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.
Great joy for all the people. The emotions of Christmas are many and varied; fear and trust, joy and sorrow, longing and fulfilment. Into all our deepest experiences comes the One called Jesus, who will live human life as God had always intended. Through that life and death, he will heal our brokenness, forgive our sins, renew our capacity to love God and neighbour, and gives us back the life God always intended for his children.
Friday – Christmas Day -Luke 2.13-14. Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to all men and women, on whom his favour rests.”
The older familiar phrase captures the strange beauty of the greatest ever press conference: “Suddenly, there was a multitude of the heavenly host…” On this day of all days, join with the angels’ song, and open your heart and your life to that peace which God intends for all people. Then open your heart further in showing and sharing the peace, love, joy and hope of God in Christ.
Saturday – Boxing Day – Matthew 2.1-2 “After Jesus was born in Bethlehem in Judea, during the time of King Herod, Magi from the east came to Jerusalem and asked, “Where is the one who has been born king of the Jews? We saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.”
Magi, wise men, explorers, scientists – whatever word we use, these were amongst the cleverest and most resourceful people around at the time of Jesus birth. They knew about stars; they weren’t afraid of travelling out of their comfort zone; they were deeply religious and brought gifts to acknowledge the wonder of it all. They knew about that particular star now parked over Bethlehem. And ever since they have been examples of what it might mean to go looking for Jesus.
Sunday Matthew 2.11 “On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh.”
Christian worship always means these things – coming to the place where Christ is and actively seeking to find him; bowing down in adoration and offering our obedience; bringing to Christ our gifts, the service of our hearts, and the energy of our bodies. We know the words, “If I were a wise man, I would do my part; yet what I can, I give him, give my heart.” “Thanks be to God for his unspeakable gift!”
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