Christmastide

Scripture Reading: Hebrews 2:10-18

It was fitting that God, for whom and through whom all things exist, in bringing many children to glory, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through sufferings. For the one who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one Father. For this reason Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters, saying,
‘I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters,
   in the midst of the congregation I will praise you.’
And again,
‘I will put my trust in him.’
And again,
‘Here am I and the children whom God has given me.’ –Hebrews 2:10-13

I visited my brother and sister today sharing in the joy of Christmas. They are both a very important part of my life. While we share in many common values, we are very different people. I think God created each of us to fill a special purpose in the world God created. Part of all of our calls to serve God includes doing all we can to be who God created us to be while supporting all our biological brothers and sisters as well as our brothers and sisters in Christ to become all that they can be. Part of that process is restorative.  Jesus spent much of his ministry restoring people to health and wholeness. With God’s help, that is our job now.

Jesus also let the little children come to him. I think he enjoyed watching them grow and learn. Children are a big part of Christmas at my church. Whether in church or in society, we have a special responsibility to create a world that welcomes children and protects them while preparing them for the responsibility of adulthood.

As we pause in this Christmastide, let us consider how we will both work to restore all to fullness in life while preparing the next generation for adulthood.

Prayer: Lord, strengthen us as we strive to strengthen others. Amen.

All scriptures are quoted from the New Revised Standard Version Bible: Anglicized Edition, copyright 1989, 1995, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights are reserved.