The First Sunday after Christmas, Dec. 27, 2009
BCP and RCL: Isaiah 61:10-62:3; Psalm 147 or 147:13-21; Gal. 3:23-25; 4:4-7; John 1:1-18
This Sunday’s lessons tell how everything in the world has been powerfully and fundamentally altered because Jesus has come into it. The images in Isaiah begin with that of a bridegroom decked with a garland and a bride adorned with jewels. For both, life is changed in every way on that day. The other images in this lesson are indicative of new life (“the earth brings forth its shoots”) and celebration visible to all (“the nations shall see your vindication”).
The lesson from Isaiah describes an exultant, celebratory way of life, full of beauty, rejoicing, and public declaration that one is favored by God, and even includes the profound assurance that summarizes the overall theme: “You shall be called by a new name which the mouth of the Lord will give.”
The selection from the Psalms likewise speaks of God’s irresistible power to transform the world and bless his people. Snow, frost, hail, wind, and waters become homely images of breadcrumbs and wool, showing that for God the heavens themselves are as available as basic home life. The psalm goes on to apply this measureless power of God to the faithful: “He declares his word to Jacob … he has not done so to any other nation” (Psalm 147:20-21).
The lesson from Galatians speaks of freedom from confinement under the Law and the ensuing ability to address God as “Abba,” a term of astonishing intimacy probably impossible to overestimate. Those who can pray to God at this level of familiarity are indeed people who have been radically changed. Jubilant as these lessons are, apart from the gospel they are mostly general good news repeated and emphasized, but without specifics.
The grounding is found in the gospel. The other lessons swirl around this one momentous proclamation that roots prophecy into timely fact: “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, full of grace and truth” (John 1:14).
The Incarnation of the Word puts every human being to the test. Many reject him, but to those who receive him, “he gave power to become children of God.” The consequences of this stunning proclamation: “From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace” (John 1:16) and “No one has ever seen God,” but the one closest to the Father’s heart “has made him known” (John 1:18).
Look It Up
Consider Revelation 21:5 — “Behold, I am making all things new.” How and when do “all things” become new? At the Incarnation? The Crucifixion? The Resurrection? The end of time?
Think About It
When things in one’s life suddenly become different, even if the difference is good and welcome, do we always fully appreciate the change? How long does it take fully to recognize the blessings of what is new?
Next Sunday
The Second Sunday after Christmas (Year C), Jan. 3, 2010
BCP and RCL: Jer. 31:7-14; Psalm 84 or 84:1-8; Eph. 1:3-6,15-19a; Matt. 2:13-15,19-23 or Luke 2:41-52 or Matt. 2:1-12
