Today’s Lectionary Readings: Psalm 27; Isaiah 60:1-6; Matthew 2:1-12; Ephesians 3:1-12; Psalm 112
In many ways the Christmas story culminates with today’s passage from Matthew that tells the story of the wise men (or scholars') trek to visit the newborn baby Jesus. One of my favorite pieces of this story is contained in verse three of Matthew’s second chapter. I love this verse because it tells us that “when word of [the scholars] inquiry got to Herod, he was terrified.” Not only was Herod terrified, but Eugene Peterson’s translation of the verse goes on to add “and not Herod alone, but most of Jerusalem as well.” This got me to wondering why folks might be terrified by the appearance of the Christ-child. I think folks were terrified because this Christ-child is One who seems determined to turn our worlds upside down when we encounter him. Herod knew that. He knew the Christ-child would eventually end up challenging the powers that be. And the people of Jerusalem? They too sensed that this Christ-child would challenge their sense of order by calling into question many of their unexamined assumptions - especially their religious assumptions. It’s no wonder then that folks were terrified at the prospect of the Christ-child’s appearance! I’m left to wonder if the coming of this Christ-child might spark a little terror in you as well. Perhaps there are pieces of your life that this Christ-child might push his way into... pieces that you were content to let go unexplored... pieces of your life over which you would prefer to have complete control... As you explore these areas of your life, my prayer is that God's grace will be with you and strengthen you as you prepare for the time when the Christ-child will turn your world upside too. Til next time…
In many ways the Christmas story culminates with today’s passage from Matthew that tells the story of the wise men (or scholars') trek to visit the newborn baby Jesus. One of my favorite pieces of this story is contained in verse three of Matthew’s second chapter. I love this verse because it tells us that “when word of [the scholars] inquiry got to Herod, he was terrified.” Not only was Herod terrified, but Eugene Peterson’s translation of the verse goes on to add “and not Herod alone, but most of Jerusalem as well.” This got me to wondering why folks might be terrified by the appearance of the Christ-child. I think folks were terrified because this Christ-child is One who seems determined to turn our worlds upside down when we encounter him. Herod knew that. He knew the Christ-child would eventually end up challenging the powers that be. And the people of Jerusalem? They too sensed that this Christ-child would challenge their sense of order by calling into question many of their unexamined assumptions - especially their religious assumptions. It’s no wonder then that folks were terrified at the prospect of the Christ-child’s appearance! I’m left to wonder if the coming of this Christ-child might spark a little terror in you as well. Perhaps there are pieces of your life that this Christ-child might push his way into... pieces that you were content to let go unexplored... pieces of your life over which you would prefer to have complete control... As you explore these areas of your life, my prayer is that God's grace will be with you and strengthen you as you prepare for the time when the Christ-child will turn your world upside too. Til next time…
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