And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!" – Luke 2:13-14 Christmas is coming, and for a fleeing moment, the church and culture intersect in hope; peace on earth, goodwill to all seems possible, even briefly, come Christmas Eve. In sanctuary and living room, hospital and prison, online and at grandma’s house, Christmas is the time that ushers in the good news of redemption, with carols, candlelight, family celebrations and a baby in a manger.
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by Bishop Bill Gohl"Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?" – Matthew 11:3b "Are you the one who is to come, or are we to wait for another?"
This was a surprising question coming from John. It’s unclear exactly when John first knew that Jesus was the Son of God, whose way he had come to prepare. I mean, John’s mother, Elizabeth, knew because John announced it to her in utero by leaping when he heard Mary’s voice! What is clear is that John did know. When Jesus approached him at the Jordan, John couldn’t contain himself: "Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!" by Bishop Bill GohlFor a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. – Isaiah 6:9 Christmas is the ultimate story of solidarity. To know and relieve human suffering, God pours out himself into the most vulnerable vessel imaginable: a baby born in a war-torn land controlled by an occupying military super-power to a family with few material resources.
That child embodies God’s concern for justice in showing solidarity with other poor, struggling and overlooked people; Jesus ultimately promises his disciples that the Holy Spirit will stick with us, guide us into the truth of God’s reign and intercede for us at the very throne of God. |
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