December 25th Reflection by Bill Lynch

Nativity of Our Lord - Christmas Day 
Hebrews 1:1-12 (NRSV)

Long ago God spoke to our ancestors in many and various ways by the prophets, but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom he also created the worlds. He is the reflection of God's glory and the exact imprint of God's very being, and he sustains all things by his powerful word. When he had made purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.
For to which of the angels did God ever say,
"You are my Son;
today I have begotten you"?
Or again,
"I will be his Father,
and he will be my Son"?
And again, when he brings the firstborn into the world, he says,
"Let all God's angels worship him."
Of the angels he says,
"He makes his angels winds,
and his servants flames of fire."
But of the Son he says,
"Your throne, O God, is forever and ever,
and the righteous scepter is the scepter of your kingdom.
You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness;
therefore God, your God, has anointed you
with the oil of gladness beyond your companions."
And,
"In the beginning, Lord, you founded the earth,
and the heavens are the work of your hands;
they will perish, but you remain;
they will all wear out like clothing;
like a cloak you will roll them up,
and like clothing they will be changed.
But you are the same,
and your years will never end."

Reflection
God spoke. God spoke long ago and God speaks today. God spoke into reality the creation of all things. God spoke each day of creation. God has spoken in mysterious ways. God spoke through the prophets and the fathers. God spoke and it occurred. And God spoke and the Word became flesh and came to us to dwell with us and be one of us. God spoke and the Word of creation appeared again to all people. God speaks in the Bible and the spoken Word through people we live and breathe with. God speaks in and through the Sacraments. God comes to us in Word and Sacrament. God comes in us in creation. God comes to us in one another. God comes to us in Spirit. God comes to us and God speaks to us.

How do we take this Word that God speaks? Do we evaluate it and accept it if it seems reasonable to our senses? Or do we accept God's Word and believe, even though we can't understand? Do we wait for understanding before we accept the spoken Word from God, the Word made flesh?

Listen to God's Word. Listen to the Word made flesh in Jesus. God speaks and we listen to Jesus. God reveals himself in Jesus. Look to Jesus and listen and you will hear God speak. When confused with the spoken word that may or may not be God's Word; listen to the Word in Jesus. Jesus is the Word made flesh that comes to us and guides us. In Jesus this world was created. In Jesus all things come into being. In Jesus we have life. And God speaks through Jesus, yesterday, today, tomorrow and forever. God speaks through the Word made flesh that has come this day to dwell with his loved ones of creation... that's you and me.

Look into the eyes of Jesus. Look into the eyes of the One in the manger. You will hear God speaking. Speaking not of some glorious earthly ruler, but speaking of humbleness and love for the least. God speaks to all creation in Jesus. God speaks in Jesus of truth and grace and righteousness. This is a power that we on this earth are not familiar with. But God speaks in this humble setting. God speaks a much more powerful message than we can understand. God speaks in Jesus of new life. God speaks in Jesus of the guts to tough it out for our sin to free us from sin, death and the devil. God speaks his Word in Jesus through loving action right before our eyes and into our hearts. Look into the eyes of baby Jesus.

Look into the eyes of baby Jesus. Hear his cry. See his smile. Watch Jesus coo. Jesus has come to you this day. Come in flesh and blood. Receive him this day, the Word made flesh that now dwells among us, with us and in us. Today your Savior comes to you. Believe and live in fascination free from sin, death and the devil. For Jesus comes to you. Follow this baby into eternity.

Prayer
Jesus, today you have come into my heart. May your Word from beginning to end dwell within me and come forth from me as I live my life for you. As I tell of the Word made flesh to all the world, be with those who struggle to believe and enter into their hearts and lives that your glory may be fulfilled... today... tomorrow... and forever. --- Amen