Word to the Wise
Monday, December 24, 2012 -
[2 Samuel 7:1-5, 8b-12, 14a, 16 and Luke 1:67-79]"He has raised up for us a mighty Savior, born of the house of his servant David."
This past Saturday evening, I presided at the baptism of a newborn great grandnephew at the grand old former cathedral church in my hometown. Continuity seemed to be everywhere - the continuance of a family and the continuance of the church. There is a special poignance in welcoming new life in this season since in so many homes this new life is represented in the Christ child in the manger! Both the scriptures for today, from the Book of Samuel and the Gospel of Luke celebrate continuance and new life. There is the continuance of the House of David in accordance with God's promise, given in Samuel and celebrated in the "Canticle of Zechariah!" There is also the celebration of the birth of John the Baptist! (The formal celebration is, of course, June 24!)
God's plan is greater than that Mayan calendar that so many talked about! We still have work to do. Right now that work is to proclaim the birth of new life in the person of Jesus Christ, and the continuance of God's work through his disciples. Tonight and tomorrow we will celebrate that God "put skin on" the promise to David. The life of Christ will be our life too! AMEN