Thursday, December 18, 2014

Psalm 24, 29  

Isaiah 42:1–12        

Ephesians 6:10–20        

John 3:16–21

What is the joy of the incarnation except that God took flesh, was born of a woman, and became one of us? But, why do we celebrate His nativity? Because "God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." (John 3:16)

The love of God was revealed to humankind and manifested in the person of Jesus Christ. We ought to rejoice and be glad. Let us "Sing unto the Lord a new song, and his praise from the end of the earth . . .” (Isaiah 42:10-12)

Who is He who was incarnate for us? He is the King of glory, strong and mighty (Psalm 24:8). . . who gives strength to his people; and blesses them with peace (Psalm 29:11) . . . who created the heavens, and stretched them out; (Isaiah 42:5).

What is His plan for us? He supports the bruised reed and does not break it.  He does not quench the smoking flax. He judges the earth with righteousness. He holds our hand. He keeps us. He renews the new covenant . . . He opens the blind eyes. He brings out the prisoners and those who sit in darkness (Isaiah 42:2-7).

I see Christ in those who support every soul which is bruised with trials, burdens, illness, poverty, oppression and injustice. I see Christ's compassion in those who try to rekindle the love of God in the hearts of the weary. I see the face of Jesus in those who look upon others with total acceptance offering His forgiveness and proclaiming the good news: "He that believeth on him is not condemned" (John 3:18). When we believe that He loves us and forgives us we are no longer condemned by our consciences, here nor on the day of judgment.

"Blessed is He who made our flesh a dwelling place for his mysterious being. Blessed is He who declared to us His mysteries in our tongue. Let us worship Him who has enlightened our mind with His teaching and laid down a path for His word in our hearing. Let us give thanks to him who has grafted His fruit in our tree…. Praise to Him who invisibly cultivates our spirit. Blessed is He who attuned the senses of our spirit, that it might ever play songs of exaltation to Him on its lyre." (St. Ephraim the Syrian, Spiritual Psalter, .188)

– Mervat Iskander