After the Celebration - Back to Reality

For 12/26/2010


This is the only account of Joseph and the family fleeing into Egypt and their later migration to Nazareth to escape potential threats from the reigning king. Luke gives us the only other birth narrative and it leaves the impression that Joseph and Mary were residents of Nazareth at the time of Jesus conception and does not mention or allude to these events.


Each gospel brings us a different perspective although there is a great deal of commonality among the first three. These differences probably reflect the understanding of the Jesus story which was a part of the Christian community in which the writer lived. In this particular scripture we see the importance to the writer of showing Jesus as fulfillment of messianic prophecy in the Hebrew Scriptures.


Matthew 2:13 After the scholars were gone, God's angel showed up again in Joseph's dream and commanded, "Get up. Take the child and his mother and flee to Egypt. Stay until further notice. Herod is on the hunt for this child, and wants to kill him."
14-15Joseph obeyed. He got up, took the child and his mother under cover of darkness. They were out of town and well on their way by daylight. They lived in Egypt until Herod's death. This Egyptian exile fulfilled what Hosea had preached: "I called my son out of Egypt."
16-18Herod, when he realized that the scholars had tricked him, flew into a rage. He commanded the murder of every little boy two years old and under who lived in Bethlehem and its surrounding hills. (He determined that age from information he'd gotten from the scholars.) That's when Jeremiah's sermon was fulfilled:
A sound was heard in Ramah, weeping and much lament. Rachel weeping for her children,
Rachel refusing all solace, Her children gone, dead and buried.
19-20Later, when Herod died, God's angel appeared in a dream to Joseph in Egypt: "Up, take the child and his mother and return to Israel. All those out to murder the child are dead."
21-23Joseph obeyed. He got up, took the child and his mother, and reentered Israel. When he heard, though, that Archelaus had succeeded his father, Herod, as king in Judea, he was afraid to go there. But then Joseph was directed in a dream to go to the hills of Galilee. On arrival, he settled in the village of Nazareth. This move was a fulfillment of the prophetic words, "He shall be called a Nazarene."


After a visit by three visitors of great stature and very expensive gifts Herod sees Jesus as a threat to his reign. Herod had a long history of authorizing murders, including some in his own family, to protect himself against perceived threats.


• Where does it appear that the family was living and how long after Jesus’ birth might it have been when the family fled? What common thread runs through his story when Jesus for some reason comes into the awareness of religious or political authority?


• Part of Jesus’ reason for being with us is to be an example for us of what it means to be one of God’s people. One of the major results of his ministry was controversy. In today’s world, here where we live, what lines are there that we might cross because of faith convictions and as a result cause controversy? Can you think of examples? What kind of controversy was caused?


The rest of today’s scripture is built around two dreams, two instructions from God and the fulfillment of three Old Testament prophecies. Each individual prophecy is not particularly important but are used in their totality to bring credibility to Jesus’ stature.


In thinking about the family’s sudden departure from Bethlehem remember that they traveled at least several hundred miles through the desert which would have been hot during the summer and cold in the winter. We remember images of Mary riding the donkey into Bethlehem but most likely they walked to Egypt with and donkeys or mules used as pack animals.

• The first dream results in the uprooting of Joseph’s family and their fleeing into Egypt. What kind of night must it have been for them to put together the food, belongings, and animals needed to sustain them as they traveled through the desert to Egypt and set up housekeeping in Egypt. Would someone who was without means likely have been able to do this? Can you imagine having to do something like this?


• What contribution does this story make to your understanding of Jesus? What do you think that Matthew wants us to know about God’s presence with him?


• Herod reacts by murdering all children under two in the Bethlehem area. What must this experience have been like for those families? How do you feel about the presence of Jesus resulting in the murder of children by those in authority? What kind of necessary reminder does this story bring to a joyful celebration of Jesus’ birth? How does it all end?


• Herod probably died when Jesus was at least 6 years old and after the family had been in Egypt for 4 years. Although Herod had died what realities faced them when they returned? What ramifications did this kind of a move have for them after establishing some kind of life in Egypt?


Nazareth is insignificant on many fronts. First it is located in Galilee which was considered by the Jews to be influenced by ‘foreigners’ and its residents considered only a little better than the despised Samarians. Second, Nazareth was an insignificant village of little note, at one time thought by some historians and archeologists as never having existed.


• What does Matthew want us to understand about the perceptions that the Jewish community would have about an individual who resettled in Nazareth? How different is this from the entrance that they might have expected of a messiah? Do these stories have any impact on your understanding of Jesus?


• Did the two dreams give Joseph and the family something hard or something easy to do? Did Jesus’ strong connection to God result in him doing hard things or easy. We are human and will turn away from the hard for lots of reasons. Do you think that the percentage of the times you responded to your faith calling you to do something you considered difficult has increased, or stayed the same over time? What has played into the level of your response?


• The writer sees these events in the light of prophecy. Do you think that fulfillment of prophecy was the driver of these events or something else? Is fulfillment of prophecy something that impacts your relationship with Jesus?


• How does today’s scripture impact your picture or understanding of God? What insight have you receiived?

Closing Prayer

Ever Present God, do not let our prayers excuse us from paying the price of compassion. Make us generous with the resources you have entrusted to us. Let your work be done in us and through us. Amen. From: Contemporary Prayers, Oxford Book of Prayer



Next Week’s Lectionary Scriptures: Jeremiah 31:7-14 or Sirach 24:1-12, Psalm 147:12-20, Ephesians 1:3-14, John 1:(1-9), 10-18

Before and After

For December 19, 2010

Today we will look at two of the Lectionary scriptures. In the first we read part of the birth narrative and in the second Paul reflects on the meaning of the event, just who it was that was born on Christmas day.

Matthew’s gospel is Joseph’s story and Luke’s gospel gives us Mary’s story – two perspectives on the birth of Christ. Both are wonderful examples of faith; making a spiritual journey filled with surprises (good and bad) and both of them finding the dominating presence of God’s Holy Spirit in this world changing event. Today we will look at Joseph’s story:

Matthew 1:18-19 The birth of Jesus took place like this. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married to Joseph. Before they came to the marriage bed, Joseph discovered she was pregnant. (It was by the Holy Spirit, but he didn't know that.) Joseph, chagrined but noble, determined to take care of things quietly so Mary would not be disgraced.
20-23While he was trying to figure a way out, he had a dream. God's angel spoke in the dream: "Joseph, son of David, don't hesitate to get married. Mary's pregnancy is Spirit-conceived. God's Holy Spirit has made her pregnant. She will bring a son to birth, and when she does, you, Joseph, will name him Jesus—'God saves'—because he will save his people from their sins." This would bring the prophet's embryonic sermon to full term: Watch for this—a virgin will get pregnant and bear a son; They will name him Immanuel (Hebrew for "God is with us").
24-25Then Joseph woke up. He did exactly what God's angel commanded in the dream: He married Mary. But he did not consummate the marriage until she had the baby. He named the baby Jesus.

It can be easy to flow through this story and miss just how significantly Joseph’s life was put into great turmoil by Mary’s pregnancy. Please consider some of the following as you reflect on the story:

· How do you imagine the conversation went when Mary came to Joseph with the news that she was pregnant? What might she have told him about the conception and how might he have responded?

· What is your impression of Joseph both from a human and spiritual standpoint? How big a deal was it for Mary to be pregnant (there are contemporary parallels in the threat of death by stoning in Iran of a woman accused of adultery)? How important was the first born son to a family in these patriarchal times? What does it say about his feelings for her that he made the choice to help her cover up the pregnancy?

· Joseph met the Spirit in the same way as so many do in scripture – in a dream. We all have dreams we quickly forget or write off, why do you think that he found credibility in this one? What natural and cultural pressures would he have to overcome to respond to his dream? What does it say about him that he did?

· Have you ever prayerfully sought the answer to some major dilemma in your life? In what way did insight come to you? Was it in the form of a dream, sudden inspiration, or the words of others? What compelled you to act in the way in which you chose to attempt to resolve the issue?

· The prophesy about a virgin giving birth comes from Isaiah 7 and is identified by the very early Christians as a prophesy fulfilled by Jesus’ birth. Some have questioned whether Isaiah was really speaking about a virgin birth but that something for another time. What are some reasons that the nature of Jesus’ conception is very important to many believers? Is it important to you?

· One of the Advent season’s characteristics is the very visible secular/commercial tone it has taken on. Joseph had to deal with all kinds of cultural and personal pressures and yet heard the call of God’s Spirit. What helps you find the same Spirit in the midst of our culture? Are there traditions or events that help you find meaning and spiritual encouragement?

Paul has provided us with a reminder which helps put Jesus’ birth narrative into perspective. What was the real meaning of the events that we just explored? Paul reminds us:

Romans 1:1-7 I, Paul, am a devoted slave of Jesus Christ on assignment, authorized as an apostle to proclaim God's words and acts. I write this letter to all the believers in Rome, God's friends. 2-7The sacred writings contain preliminary reports by the prophets on God's Son. His descent from David roots him in history; his unique identity as Son of God was shown by the Spirit when Jesus was raised from the dead, setting him apart as the Messiah, our Master. Through him we received both the generous gift of his life and the urgent task of passing it on to others who receive it by entering into obedient trust in Jesus. You are who you are through this gift and call of Jesus Christ! And I greet you now with all the generosity of God our Father and our Master Jesus, the Messiah.

· Paul was planning to visit Rome as part of expanding his work to the west. He writes to the church there and begins with a statement about who he is. What does he say about himself and what does he want them to understand? He says that he is “on assignment” and “authorized”, who do you think Paul believes gave this assignment and authority to him? What would your reaction have been had introduced himself to you in this way.

· Paul calls himself a ‘devoted slave’, what are some ramifications of living as a slave? What does a slave give up and take on because of that status? How would you describe your relationship with Jesus, what words would you use?

· How are believers described? What are the ramifications of being someone’s friend? Do you have similar feelings about your relationship with God – what other words might you use?

· Beginning with verse 7 Paul makes claims about Jesus and lists proofs for their validity. What claims does he make about Jesus and what does he use as substantiation. What are some ways that you have found validity for your sense of who Jesus is and what he represents?

· What does Paul believe we received through Jesus? How has your life been impacted by the gift of his life? How are we to respond to this gift and what word does he use to describe the nature of the task we have?

· Why do you think that Paul feels that passing along the gift is urgent? Can you think of a recent task that you felt had a sense of urgency in its completion? What caused you to feel this way? What might be necessary to bring urgency to this task of sharing the gift of Christ with others?

· Do you sense that there are any new ways you are being called to serve Christ this Advent season? You might seek clarification of this question as part of your Advent prayers.

Closing Prayer

Loving God, stay with me that I might shine; so shine as to be a light for others. Teach me to show forth your praise, your truth, your will. Not just by words but by my example and the influence of what I do. Amen. Adapted from John Henry Newman, Oxford Book of Prayer

Next Week’s Lectionary Scriptures: Isaiah 63:7-9, Psalm 148, Hebrews 2:10-18, Matthew 2:13-23

Who Are You

For December 12, 2010

In looking at today’s scripture it is important to remember the prominent role that John the Baptist plays in the religious life of Jerusalem at the time of Jesus. John had established a ministry of baptism for purification and repentance in the river Jordan. He also was a prophetic voice for a coming messiah who would bring God’s justice to the world. John was a historical figure mentioned in Josephus’ Jewish Antiquities written late in the first century. The reasons Josephus did not record Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection could lead us to lots of discussion but needs to be the topic for another day.

John built a considerable following including some who may have become Jesus’ first disciples. His influence was such that we can see many passages in the Gospels that make it clear that John was subordinate to Jesus. The extent of influence of John’s disciples can be seen in Acts as Paul re-baptizes believers who had received “John’s baptism” of repentance in places as far away as Corinth and Ephesus some 30 years after the crucifixion. Our scripture for today should be read with these things in mind:

Matthew 11:2-3 John, meanwhile, had been locked up in prison. When he got wind of what Jesus was doing, he sent his own disciples to ask, "Are you the One we've been expecting, or are we still waiting?" 4-6Jesus told them, "Go back and tell John what's going on: The blind see, The lame walk, Lepers are cleansed, The deaf hear, The dead are raised, The wretched of the earth learn that God is on their side."Is this what you were expecting? Then count yourselves most blessed!"

· Why was John in Prison (Herod had arrested John, put him in chains, and sent him to prison to placate Herodias, his brother Philip's wife. John had provoked Herod by naming his relationship with Herodias "adultery." Herod wanted to kill him, but he was afraid because so many people revered John as a prophet of God. Matthew 14) Who came to Jesus with John’s question? What do these things tell us about the impact of John’s ministry?

· What do you think caused John to question whether Jesus was the one he expected and prophesied would come? This question arises after John’s baptism of Jesus and a declaration that he was just that person and Luke’s assertion that Mary and Elizabeth (John’s mother) were related.

Ben Witherington writes the following in WorkingPretcher.org:

In the first place, Jesus did not come simply repeating John's warning of looming judgment on God's people; he came proclaiming the inbreaking Dominion and salvation of God, even for the least, the last, and the lost. In the second place, Jesus did not take up the mantle and lifestyle of an ascetical prophet, like John had done. Jesus ate and drank with sinners and tax collectors, and refused to take on himself the clothing and demeanor of one who was in mourning. In the third place, Jesus did not assume the roles of a Davidic warrior king or ruler. Indeed, he preached non-resistance, turning the other cheek, and self-sacrificial love. Furthermore, Jesus did not march on Jerusalem nor did he thunder condemnation on Caesar or his legions.

Do you think that these realities about Jesus might even have contributed to the confusion of his disciples who seemed at times to exasperate him?

· What does Jesus cite as evidence that he is the “One we have been expecting”? Instead of kingly power what is happening and who does it most benefit?

· Now it is your turn? As you experience this time of Advent preparation how would you describe the Jesus whose birth you will celebrate on December 25th? How is your life different because you have met him?



As we move on in today's scripture, Jesus describes John:

Matthew 11:7-10 When John's disciples left to report, Jesus started talking to the crowd about John. "What did you expect when you went out to see him in the wild? A weekend camper? Hardly. What then? A sheik in silk pajamas? Not in the wilderness, not by a long shot. What then? A prophet? That's right, a prophet! Probably the best prophet you'll ever hear. He is the prophet that Malachi announced when he wrote, 'I'm sending my prophet ahead of you, to make the road smooth for you.'
11-14"Let me tell you what's going on here: No one in history surpasses John the Baptizer; but in the kingdom he prepared you for, the lowliest person is ahead of him. For a long time now people have tried to force themselves into God's kingdom. But if you read the books of the Prophets and God's Law closely, you will see them culminate in John, teaming up with him in preparing the way for the Messiah of the kingdom. Looked at in this way, John is the 'Elijah' you've all been expecting to arrive and introduce the Messiah.

· What does Jesus tell the crowd about John? Who is he and who is he not? Do you remember anything about Elijah, one of the most revered of the Old Testament prophets who “went up into heaven in a whirlwind”? The very last verse of the Old Testament records God’s promise, “See, I will send the prophet Elijah to you before that great and dreadful day of the LORD comes.” What does Jesus want them to understand about John’s stature, importance, and standing in God’s eyes?

· Jesus begins gives us one of the many allusions to the Kingdom of God or Kingdom of Heaven that we find in the gospels. What will it be like? Who will have stature there? How do you feel about this assertion, if it is the case who would be ahead of you in the kingdom? How do you feel about this idea?

· What happened to the promised Elijah, John the Baptist? Was announcing a new kingdom risk free? Are there risks today in being a bearer of the Good News? Certainly not death in this country but what are some impediments to each of us being an Elijah today?

· Is there something in this story of John the Baptist that you are inspired to include in your Advent prayers?

Closing Litany From Psalm 146

Blessed are those whose help is the God of Jacob,

whose hope is in the LORD their God.

The LORD sets prisoners free,

the LORD gives sight to the blind,

the LORD lifts up those who are bowed down,

the LORD loves the righteous.

The LORD sustains the fatherless and the widow.

The LORD reigns forever,

Praise the LORD.

Next Week’s Lectionary Scriptures: Isaiah 7:10-16, Psalm 80:1-7, 17-19, Romans 1:1-7, Matthew 1:18-25

The Hovering Spirit

For December 5, 2010

Isaiah’s prophecy was probably written during the exile in Babylon in the 6th century BCE. The kingdom of Israel and its lineage of kings were a thing of the past and Isaiah spoke of God’s promise for the nation’s future. This is one of the many scriptures that early Christians identified in the Old Testament (the only scriptures that existed at the time) as one that Jesus’ fulfilled. The question is – what, if anything, does it have to do with me?

Isaiah 11:1-5 A green Shoot will sprout from Jesse's stump, from his roots a budding Branch.

The life-giving Spirit of God will hover over him, the Spirit that brings wisdom and understanding,The Spirit that gives direction and builds strength, the Spirit that instills knowledge and Fear-of-God.

Fear-of-God will be all his joy and delight. He won't judge by appearances, won't decide on the basis of hearsay. He'll judge the needy by what is right, render decisions on earth's poor with justice. His words will bring everyone to awed attention. A mere breath from his lips will topple the wicked. Each morning he'll pull on sturdy work clothes and boots, and build righteousness and faithfulness in the land.

Jesse’s stump
· Jesse was David’s father, how might the exiled Israelites relate to Isaiah’s characterization of the glorious memory of David now being a mere stump? What might it have said to them about God’s relationship with and covenantal promises to Israel?

· We all experience highs and lows in our faith life. Have there been times when you felt that your spiritual life could be likened to the stump of a cut down tree? If not that extreme how would you characterize the spiritual lows in your life?

· Does the image of a “green Shoot” springing from a spiritual low speak to you? Is there an experience that you would point to as an example of new growth in your faith life? To what do you attribute to its springing up and how was it nurtured?

Life Giving Spirit
Hebrew Scriptures often link God’s Spirit and their leaders: I Samuel 10:10, 1 Samuel 16:13

· What will be the driving force that animates and leads the new leader? (See the similarity in Genesis 1:2 of the Spirit’s presence in creation – and the spirit of God hovered over the surface of the water.) Write down those characteristics which result from the Spirit hovering over him?


· Christians link Isaiah’s prophecy to Jesus; do you see them in the gospel's record of his life? Are there any specific instances that come to mind?

· Is the promise of the spirit hovering over this new leader limited to Jesus? Reflect on these two scriptures:

I'm telling you these things while I'm still living with you. The Friend, the Holy Spirit whom the Father will send at my request, will make everything plain to you. He will remind you of all the things I have told you. John 14:26

Peter replied, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. Acts 2:38

· How important is the sense of the presence of God’s Spirit to the health of your spiritual life? Review the list you made of the results of the hovering life giving spirit and write down what would you pray for from the Spirit this Advent season:


Lets return to Isaiah’s prophecy concentrating on the last half of the scripture.

Fear-of-God will be all his joy and delight. He won't judge by appearances, won't decide on the basis of hearsay. He'll judge the needy by what is right, render decisions on earth's poor with justice. His words will bring everyone to awed attention. A mere breath from his lips will topple the wicked. Each morning he'll pull on sturdy work clothes and boots, and build righteousness and faithfulness in the land.

· List the promise that Isaiah prophecies will come from this new leader. What examples of them can you remember from the Gospel’s recording of Jesus’ life? Were any not fulfilled?
Promise Example





· In the gospel of John (14:12) Jesus’ last teachings to his disciples, and by extension each of us, he makes an amazing statement and backs it with a promise:

The person who trusts me will not only do what I'm doing but even greater things, because I, on my way to the Father, am giving you the same work to do that I've been doing. You can count on it. From now on, whatever you request along the lines of who I am and what I am doing, I'll do it.

· How do you interpret these words, what do they mean to you? Can we actually do greater things than Jesus? Could this speak to the potential of the Christian community with each of us using our Spiritual gifts?

What characteristics do you relate to as either things you have strived for or experienced in your faith life? Given your thoughts to this point, what is the relevance of Isaiah’s prophecy for each one of us, how do his words apply to me as a person of faith?

· Is there something in Isaiah’s words that you are inspired to include in your Advent prayers:

Closing Litany

Holy Spirit, giver of light and life
Impart to us thoughts higher than our own thoughts
Prayers better than our own prayers
Powers beyond our own powers
After the perfect image of Jesus Christ
Amen

Adapted from Eric Milner-White
The Oxford Book of Prayer

Next Week’s Lectionary Scriptures: James 5:7-10, Matthew 11:2-11, Psalm 146:5-10 or Luke 1:47-55, Isaiah 35:1-10