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Nativity by John Donne
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Monthly Archives: Dec 2018
Luke 1:38
And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her. http://esv.to/Luke1.38
In the garden, the Lord called and the answer came, they were hidden, afraid. The Lord called to Moses twice from the burning bush and Moses answered, “Here I am.” Abraham had his name called once as he moved to slaughter Isaac and twice as the Lord stayed his hand. Both times he answered, “Here I am.” God redeems us through each.
In Mary, daughter of Abraham, under the covenant of Moses, the curse of the garden is healed. In Mary the Lord redeems the womb and from one flesh forms a body, Jesus, wholly of her flesh.
Mary becomes the mother of God. Mary, on receiving the news of what was to become true in and through her, the redemption of all humanity, declares, “Here I am,” and says, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord.”
Here I am, moving from promise, the truth, to the way, to life all redeemed in Christ, who is Lord and God, the second Adam, born of Mary, Son of Abraham, fulfilling the law given to Moses.
Jesus, from the darkness of the womb of Mary, is the light that conquers death in the darkness of his slaughter on the cross. Death is conquered in the conception of Christ, his life, death and resurrection. It is finished; the mystery from the beginning is revealed and we walk free in victory, saved from sin and the consequences of sin, so that in the midst of this realm of darkness the light of the Lord shines.
Here I am.
John 1:14
And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth. http://esv.to/John1.14
Fully human, fully God, the exact image of the Father, Jesus reveals the Father. And he is grace and truth. Grace and truth, kindness beyond measure, this is our God, self giving, glorifying himself in humbling himself for us. The light shines in the darkness, dawning in our hearts, a mighty presence. Light and life found in the new born Son, fragile, vulnerable, easily snuffed out. The Creator becomes a creature so that the mystery from the beginning is revealed; we are loved and treasured and he takes upon himself our sin and faces evil for us. In him we know forgiveness and can rest secure, cradled in his love. This is love lying in a manger.
John 1:4
In him was life, and the life was the light of men. http://esv.to/John1.4
This scripture is key to my own faith. It has sustained me in my relationship with God and with others. All life is in the Son’s hands and the Son reveals the Father. Every person has this life and it lights all people. In everyone I find Jesus and in all I find the way to the Father. This is my work to believe in the Father. This is the way of freedom, to love God and to love each and everyone I encounter.
Psalm 45:10-11
10 Hear, O daughter, and consider, and incline your ear: forget your people and your father’s house,
11 and the king will desire your beauty. Since he is your lord, bow to him. http://esv.to/Ps45.10-11
If indeed we can accommodate this psalm to be a song to Christ and us his bride, the church at the marriage feast, then apart from the imagery here is the wisdom we need.
We are made beautiful as we hear and listen to the voice of Jesus. This is what Jesus delights in from the beginning- our personal and intimate hearing of his voice. Jesus calls us away to be with him and turn from all other loves, family and position, standing and tradition; to embrace him fully, new creations held in his all consuming love. And held so, we can love as he loves.
Psalm 44:3
for not by their own sword did they win the land, nor did their own arm save them, but your right hand and your arm, and the light of your face, for you delighted in them. http://esv.to/Ps44.3
It is in seeing and knowing God that we find our inspiration. Knowing God, finding him within us is our journey outward. Everything begins and has its power from the image we hold within us. Truly our work is to believe in the Father. This is the name of God Jesus reveals to us; intimate and close; one who delights in us. Our strength and resilience come from this place of security; in all circumstances the Father delights in us. This is how we navigate the troubles of the day; by seeking the light of his face.
Psalm 43:4
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Then I will go to the altar of God, to God my exceeding joy, and I will praise you with the lyre, O God, my God. – Psalm 43:4
Psalm 43:3
Send out your light and your truth; let them lead me; let them bring me to your holy hill and to your dwelling!
This verse spoke to me at the start of my journey and is my prayer for today.
The days are growing shorter and the celebrations nearer. A time when being together matters; where the two or three gathered to the Light, Jesus, God’s own Son, the Truth, are a beacon for life. Light and truth!
M Emlyn Humphries 