Reflecting...

O righteous God, who searches minds and hearts, bring to an end the violence of the wicked and make the righteous secure.  (Psalm 7:9)

It’s an old prayer.  The people of God prayed it regularly because it was such a personal prayer.  They saw themselves as the ones who would benefit if it were ever to be answered just the way they had requested.  No one questioned that others were the violent, wicked ones while they themselves were the ones needing to be rescued.

Those who desperately need to be rescued from whatever has a grip on their lives still pray for relief today. 

Sin victimizes people, catches them up in trouble and hurt.  And some of us get hurt more than others.  The question, “Where is God when people suffer?” is a question posed by a skeptic.  The prayer of the faithful has always been this waiting, longing prayer: O righteous God, who searches minds and hearts, bring to an end the violence of the wicked and make the righteous secure.

The answer comes when Jesus is born!
Zechariah – filled with the Holy Spirit – proclaims it: Praise be to the Lord, the God of Israel, because he has come and has redeemed his people…to rescue us from the hand of our enemies and to enable us to serve him without fear in holiness and righteousness before him all our days. (Luke 1:68, 74-75)
Mother Mary – breaking out into song – claims it:  My soul praises the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior…He has brought down rulers from their thrones but has lifted up the humble. (Luke 1:46-47; 52)

Since it’s a living answer -- the word made flesh -- like all living things, it grows.  The answer is a person, and it is also a process, a movement of hope, with a sure conclusion.  Jesus lives so we can learn and he dies on the cross so we can live.  God’s plan is the resurrection, followed by spreading this “rescue” message and, then his coming again!  

I know Christians celebrate our Lord’s coming with much joy.  We are so grateful for what Jesus has done for us!  But, dear Lord, those who waited so long for relief and, also, those who claimed your coming as an answer to the old prayer – they challenge my own way of thinking about your coming.  I wonder sometimes on dark nights, if I keep Christmas in ways that truly communicate this first Christmas message.  Do the powerless rejoice at the hope I offer?  Do I know how to speak and live that hope?  

So, here is my Christmas prayer:

Most Gracious Lord,
continue to give your gift of blessed relief!
May we be bold to ask for it,
ready to proclaim it
and generously share it
with those you so love!
In the name of Jesus, Amen.

Grace and peace,
Pastor Shirley