WATCHWORD:
Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you. Ephesians 4:32
When Jesus went ashore, He saw a large crowd, and He felt compassion for them because they were like sheep without a shepherd; and He began to teach them many things. Mark 6:34
Meditation:
Compassion I
The Season of Advent is behind us, the Christmas celebrations are memories and here we are, well into the start of the New Year. I want to revisit one phrase that we heard repeatedly around December 25, “Today Jesus Christ, the Son of God, IS born in Bethlehem of Judea.”
I have a granddaughter, Alaina, who, on December 25, was born in the city of Goshen, and a great-grandson, Colton, who, on December 25, was born in the city of Cincinnati. I think both of these kids probably suffered a sense of unfairness that some of their celebration (think gifts) were overshadowed by that “other” birthday. Alaina, now an adult and married, has generally outgrown the matter, but Colton, age 3, is just now getting into this little “pinch” on his birthday.
Okay, my question is this, we don’t we say, “Colton K. IS born this day…” or “Alaina O IS born this day…”. That worked on the actual day of their births, but now? Yet, why do we say, “Jesus Christ IS born this day…” each year? Hmmm.
Prior Aelred, of St. Gregory’s Abbey, Three Rivers, Michigan, offers a partial answer to that question. He says that the coming of our Lord and Savior, the Incarnation, changes everything for the entire human race, and it is the frequent reenactment of this God-given miracle that we celebrate at Christmas. So Jesus Christ IS born this day is just a statement of fact that applies to us, and the world, day by day. As for the births in my family on Christmas, it did change things, but essentially just for family and friends.
Am I quibbling? You, know, majoring in minors. Yes, maybe, just a little, but the point is that Jesus, came into the world, a gift from God, to bring peace and love into a chaotic world. Jesus Christ (Love) IS born this day, and the next, and the next. And our lives are filled with His grace, and we approach the throne with gratitude beyond words. Amen.
Closing Prayer:
“O Lord, As I start the new day with your name and blessing, grant me wisdom and strength to act kindly and let others feel loved and respected. Bless my day, Lord, so that I can represent your Love and kindness in the name of You. Amen.”
