What a Surprise!

The birth of Christ was nothing like what people expected on "the Day of the Lord."

The Scripture

Mark 1:1-8
as retold by Deborah

Here is the good news of Jesus Christ, the Son of God:

As the prophet Isaiah said, “See, I am sending my messenger ahead to prepare your Way; a voice calling out when all seems bleak, ‘Get ready for the Lord’s arrival.’”

That’s how it started: John the baptizer showed up in the middle of nowhere, preaching baptism as a sign of a changed heart that sins might be forgiven. And people from all over Judea went to him, including those who lived in Jerusalem; it wasn’t just the country bumpkins who were drawn his message — and they were baptized by him in the Jordan river, admitting their failings and faults.

John was like a man from another time and place; wrapped in a camel skin held together with a leather strap, and subsisting on nuts and berries.

He said, “The one who is more powerful than me is on his way; I am not worthy to even tie his shoes. I have baptized you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”

Photo of a flower

~ Reflection ~ by Deborah Beach Giordano
December 5, 2011

The Day of the Lord

We have every reason to look forward to Christmas (aside from the madness and merchandising) as the blessed Day of the Lord, commemorating the birth of the infant of Bethlehem. We have every reason to celebrate this annual reminder of “the Good News of Jesus Christ,” as the author of Mark puts it.

Nativity

God has come into our world gently and tenderly, in the form of a sweet and precious Child. We are loved and longed for. We have no reason to fear, and every reason to rejoice.

But it wasn’t always so.

The Tradition

There was a time when we might have viewed “the day of the Lord” with decidedly mixed emotions. When that wild man, John the Baptist, promised that the Messiah was on the way, the people didn’t know whether they should dance in the streets or hide in the cellar. No one knew for certain what would happen when he arrived.

scales of justiceOn one hand he was said to herald the coming of God’s kingdom on earth. It would be the dawning of a new world, a new beginning. The Messiah’s reign would bring about the straightening-out of what was crooked, the righting of wrongs, the meting out of justice, the squaring of accounts.

On the Day of the Lord those who had sinned would be punished, and the “blameless” could expect their just rewards.

On the other hand, on the Day of the Lord those who had sinned would be punished, and the “blameless” could expect their just rewards....

But who among us can claim to be blameless? Who among us has fastidiously and unfailingly obeyed the commandment to love God and love our neighbors? Who among us has never judged others harshly? Who among us has forgiven all those who have ever hurt, injured or insulted us? Who among us truly and sincerely loves and prays for their enemies? Who among us can begin to meet the stringent demands of obedience and integrity outlined in Matthew’s gospel and not even think about doing wrong (Mt 5:21-48)?

Right Rewards

coal in stockingIf our Creator were to hold humanity to such a tough set of standards, and was truly “fair” about handing out punishments and rewards, we might not be in such a celebratory mood on Christmas morning. If we received in accordance with what we deserved when the Day of the Lord arrived, we’d be on the outside looking in.

If God were Santa, most of us would be getting a lump of coal in our stockings.

The Gift of Mercy

Blessedly, God is not “fair” — but merciful.

God’s kingdom is not built on threats or fear, but on love.

We know these things to be true because the advent of the Messiah was not heralded by an invading army, but a heavenly host; there was no condemnation or calls to arms, instead angels brought “news of great joy” to shepherds on dark and lonely hillsides. No battle-scarred general waged war against the wicked; there was no vengeance, no death or destruction — instead a Child was born to us. A new life was given to all the world: to the good and the bad alike.

Blessedly — for all of us! — God is not fair, but merciful, loving, and abundantly giving.

Surprise!

the Holy Family

The world was turned upside down on that long-ago Day of the Lord. It wasn’t at all what the people were expecting; many didn’t recognize the Messiah, his arrival was so foreign to what they had anticipated. Although there was no military conquest, no thunderbolts or floods or famine, no parting of the seas — the Kingdom of God was at hand (Mk 1:15, Mt 4:17, 10:7; Lk 10:11).

The situation was so unlikely that many didn’t believe it could be true. They thought there must have been some mistake.

Much to everyone’s surprise, God was choosing not to punish, but to forgive; the Messiah had come — not to judge and condemn, but to bless and comfort; this was not a king who ruled with an iron hand, but a Shepherd who lead with compassion and gentleness. The Day of the Lord did not signal the End Times, but a New Beginning.

What a surprise. What a wonderful, blessed, glorious surprise.

We don’t get what we deserve, but what we need.

A Different Value System

Mall at ChristmasGod’s values are not our values, and that is never more clear than in the way our culture celebrates Christmas. We know in our hearts, by the way we feel in turns horrified, depressed, anxious, and angry, that shopping and spending is contrary to the way things ought to be.

This is not the Season of Stuff but the Season of love, compassion, and infinite gratitude: for God gave us the Lord Jesus — freely, generously.

We didn’t get the Judgment Day we deserved, but the Joyful Morning we needed: a sweet, holy Present beyond our wildest dreams. We are forgiven, loved, and longed-for. We have nothing to fear and every reason to rejoice.

As we celebrate the birth of our Savior may He be born in us anew.

Merry (almost) Christmas!

Deborah +

This Week's Suggested Spiritual Exercise

Rejoice!