Glory To God in The Highest, And on Earth Peace, Goodwill Toward Men
The prophet Isaiah wrote: “For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. (Isaiah 9: 6)
When we read this passage, we need to be reminded that Isaiah wrote this approximately seven hundred years before the birth of Christ. The details, titles, descriptions of this coming child are extremely accurate when compared to the Gospel passages about the Nativity.
Sometimes we do not take the time to realize the real miracle that took place some two thousand years ago. The season of Christmas is so out of line with how the secular world would like us to celebrate. There is a great tug-of-war taking place between the sacred and the secular. As early as the last week of August, Christmas decorations begin to show up in many stores across the nation. The secular world is all about buying, consuming, how much can I get; how much must I spend to get everyone a gift?
Now let’s look at how the Church for centuries used to celebrate this holy season. Either on the last Sunday of November or the first Sunday in December would begin a four Sunday series of Epistle and Gospel lessons that spoke to the first coming of Christ, and also His second Coming.
This season is called Advent, this time was used to bring us to the awareness of the greatest gift ever given, that being the only begotten Son of God, Jesus Christ. The first two Sundays in Advent help us to reflect on the first Advent, the baby Jesus. Many prophetic passages are read and studied that point to that wonderful night in Bethlehem. The last two Sundays in Advent point to Jesus’ earthly ministry and the second coming of Jesus. This helps us to understand the timelessness of Jesus; he was not created, he has always been, he will always be.
During the Advent Season we learn about the many passages of scripture in the Old Testament that point to Christ’s first coming as a child. The book of Isaiah contains several passages that speak of Christ coming as a baby. When you compare that with the Nativity narrative such as in Matthew’s Gospel you will also see the reference to God with us, Emmanuel. We also see the promises of safety and peace, an everlasting peace.
Do we have peace at this time, an everlasting peace? No. This is a reference to Christ’s second coming, when He will uphold justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. As a church we need to take back the sacred. We need to leave the noise, confusion and the moneychangers at the door.
This is the House of the Lord; we shouldn’t allow all that to invade and attempt to replace what for centuries has been set apart as holy and sanctified. It is time to remember that the Word, (Jesus Christ) came to change the world, to bring light to the darkness, to show the way, not the other way around. Today we have people and systems trying to change the Word and the church to bend to their idea of what is right, or what is just. We have come to the point in history again, where good is being called bad; and bad is being called good.
St. Luke’s gospel helps us to reflect on the humble nature of Christ when he came to be amongst his creations. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. (Luke 2:7)
St. Paul made a point of instructing us to take on the humble nature and attitude of Christ Jesus who came as a helpless little baby. Our creator came to dwell amongst us to show us the way by His life, death, burial, and glorious resurrection from the dead, that we being followers of him, should not fear death or its sting.
He came in a quiet way the first time. He lives within us now, and will return in glory, at the trumpet’s call. This is because God has exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name.
That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow in heaven and on earth and under the earth and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the Glory of God the Father. (Philippians 2:10)
This is the message of the Advent, the Nativity, as well as the Christmastide and Epiphany.
So let us all say: “Joy to the world! The Lord has come Let earth receive her King! Let every heart prepare Him room!
The Grace of the Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all. Amen