Scriptures for the Week, December 5 – 10, 2011
The Scriptures for this week center on the story of the Magi in Matthew’s gospel who were searching for Jesus Christ, as was Herod. However, the purposes of each were diametrically opposed – the Magi sought to worship, and Herod wanted to eliminate. How an innocent child could create such diverse reactions is one of the marvels of history
MONDAY
Scripture: Luke 2:16-20
So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.
Reactions to the holy birth take on so many individual forms. Mary was overwhelmed and simply needed to ponder it all in her heart, to meditate, to mull it over, to treasure the moment and the meaning. For the shepherds, it was a story that had to be told. Their first reaction was unquenchable joy. All of us approach this season in many different ways. For some it is a time to treasure thoughts and memories, and for others the season is one of overflowing joy. Still for others, it is a headache of too many bills or the heartache of not being able to get something for one’s children; or maybe it is grandchildren gathered around the family tree; or again, the faithful of the community gathering to honor God’s gift of His Son. Actually, probably it is a bit of all of these things at one time or another during the Advent Season. The only truly sorrowful reaction would be to live as if God had done nothing of note in the birth of Jesus Christ. However you do it, celebrate the Christ Child.
TUESDAY
Scripture: Matthew 11:25
At that time Jesus said, "I praise you, Father, Lord of heaven and earth, because you have hidden these things from the wise and learned, and revealed them to little children.
Sometimes too much knowledge is a barrier to belief. We know so much that it is hard to see the forest for the trees. Or we simply do not believe it is as obvious as God’s endearing love for us all. Or as we grow up, we become more jaded and cynical. What made It’s a Wonderful Life such a great Christmas classic was that child-like love overwhelmed adult calculations. Those who saw personal gain as the purpose of living were blinded to the power of love. Be a child again and behold the love of God in Jesus Christ.
WEDNESDAY
Scripture: Colossians 1:25-27
I have become its servant by the commission God gave me to present to you the word of God in its fullness - the mystery that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the saints. To them God has chosen to make known among the Gentiles the glorious riches of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.
God has chosen us to share the love of Jesus Christ among the citizens of the world. Let us never hide the gift because it is our only hope.
THURSDAY
Scripture: Deuteronomy 31:18
And I will certainly hide my face on that day because of all their wickedness in turning to other gods.
There are times in which God is hidden from us, in which we cannot see God. Talk with anyone consumed by an addition. As long as the addiction governed them, even family and friends, let alone God, were hidden. In this season of the year, it would be possible for us to hide Jesus from the world too, simply by devoting ourselves to the gods of our time and of this season – shopping for perfect gifts, seeking meaning from parties, celebrating benign Santa Claus rather than generous St. Nicholas, etc. Let us not hide the reason for the season from the world, but share.
FRIDAY
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 4:5
Therefore judge nothing before the appointed time; wait till the Lord comes. He will bring to light what is hidden in darkness and will expose the motives of men's hearts. At that time each will receive his praise from God.
One of the nice things about faith is that in time God will judge and make right. We can now leave such judgment to others and instead share a Holy joy.
SATURDAY
Scripture: Psalm 40:10
I do not hide your righteousness in my heart;
I speak of your faithfulness and salvation.
I do not conceal your love and your truth
from the great assembly.
With these words, the psalmist went to worship, where we are commanded to share our righteousness, faithfulness, wholeness, love and truth in the presence of all. Come and worship.
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