The Holiday season is the most stressful season of the year for many people. The holidays present a dizzying array of demands — parties, shopping, baking, cleaning and entertaining, to name just a few. It often brings unwelcome and unhealthy guests — stress and depression. The celebration of the coming of the Prince of peace has become the season without peace for many. The scripture reminds us of the peace proclaimed in such times. "How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!” ( Isaiah52:7).
The scene in Luke’s Gospel of the birth of Jesus is a hectic situation. It’s not just because of the multitude of characters involved. It is also hectic because it involves the collision of multiple and diverse scenes into this singular moment in time: the census that caused a young couple to travel a great distance across deserts and mountains on the week of their child’s birth; the “no vacancy” sign at the only inn in town; the shepherds terrified by the angel of the Lord; the heavenly hosts praising God; and the child being born in a manger, surrounded by his parents, animals, and overwhelmed shepherds. It was probably more hectic and stressful than we can imagine.
The birth of Jesus brought a lot of different people from many different places and walks of life. These characters have no inherent connection to one another. But their lives intersect in a powerful encounter as together they bear witness to the birth of this extraordinary child. Their common experience and witness allow them to find unity, even in the midst of their very different circumstances of life. It allowed them to feel a momentary peace. It helped them see beyond the present and the past to catch a glimpse of a future that could be different from what they have known. They can see in this child’s face as the prince of peace, if only for a second.
We live in a hectic and turbulent time. We see violence and hatred on the increase around the globe. Nations are preparing for more war and not peace. Social concerns about our children's safety is at an all time high. There could be tension around the table in many households, tension in the wider community, and tension as we gather as congregations. And so right into the middle of this difficult situation of unresolved feelings, diverse opinions, religious and political differences, holiday tension, and friends sitting alongside foes — a sign of peace is born into the world. Just as the prophet calling the nation of Israel to shake off the dust and adorn itself with splendor among the hectic situation (Isaiah 52:1). There are instances where the shake ups may cause us to be covered with dust. Jerusalem is here called on to arise and shake off the dust, as indicating that the days of her grief were ended, and that she was about to be restored to her former beauty and splendor.
Then the prophet gives them the promise in verse 12, "the Lord will go before you, the God of Israel will be your rear guard." Our path is protected from the front and behind by God's presence. He knows the past as well as the future. In Marke 16, we read that when Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome took spices to the tomb to anoint Jesus’ body, they found the tomb open. A young man was sitting in the tomb in white robes. He said, “Don’t be alarmed, “You are looking for Jesus the Nazarene, who was crucified. He has risen! He is not here. See the place where they laid him. But go, tell his disciples and Peter, ‘He is going ahead of you into Galilee. There you will see him, just as he told you.’” The Christmas message to the world is that He is going ahead of us beyond Christmas and into the New Year. So be at peace and share that peace to the people around.
Blessings
Click the link below to hear more
Comments
Post a Comment