“Are you the One, or should we wait for someone else?” (Matthew 11:3)
For many, December is the season of waiting and
preparing. For many children, it is the
long, long month of waiting before the presents arrive under the tree. For many adults, it is the season of shopping
to find just the perfect gift for everyone and prepare for parties and family
gatherings. For many, it is a month
spent just wishing it all would be over.
A season of sadness, depression and struggle. In many Christian traditions, it is the
season of Advent. A season to reflect on
the birth of Jesus, the Messiah, and what his coming means to us and to the
world.
Just who the child born in Bethlehem around the year 4 BCE
was and is for the world has always been a matter of debate. Even in his own time, people wondered. Sure, he drew crowds. He did wondrous works. Some followed. Some did not. Some found him
offensive and worked for his downfall. As
we hear in today’s lesson, even John the Baptist had his doubts.
Today, people relate to Jesus in a whole variety of
ways. Savior. Liberator.
Teacher. Prophet. God in the flesh. Historical figure. Symbol.
Myth. Swear word. Theologians write and debate about who Jesus
is. Preachers and evangelists call
people to follow him. People gather to
worship him, praise him and give him thanks.
Others, with John the Baptist, ask, “Are you really the One?”
I have spent my whole life, as a believer and as a leader in
the Church, working out my own understanding of my relationship with Jesus and
his meaning for my life and the life of the world. It is and always has been a work in
progress. I believe that the Holy
Spirit has guided me along the way through the stories of scripture, and
through teachers, mentors, guides, preachers, friends and sometimes even
through total strangers. But, all along that twisting way, I keep
coming back to the same thing:
Jesus is the One who fully embodies the God of steadfast and
enduring love who created and sustains me and the universe. Even more, Jesus invites me to live in that
love and to live out of that love every day of my life.
For me, Jesus’ answer to John’s servants makes that clear. You want to know what Jesus is about? Look at the compassion, healing, mercy,
forgiveness and expansive welcome that characterized his life and ministry. But, beyond that, look at how, in love, he
died on a cross at the hands of all human hatred, brokenness, suffering,
sorrow, depression, cruelty and violence.
Look at how God raised him up three days later, proving that the power
of God’s steadfast and enduring love is stronger even than death.
That is the gift that I celebrate each Christmas, and on
every Sunday as I gather with others to rejoice, give thanks and pray that God
would use me and the Church that bears Jesus’ name to transform the world.
Peace,
Bishop Mike.
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