December 27
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“Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation, namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation.” (2 Corinthians 5:18-19, New American Standard Bible)

Reconciliation. It is the word our Roman Catholic brothers and sisters use for the rite commonly called “confession.” In the confessional, the penitent seeks reconciliation to fellowship with God by acknowledging his or her transgressions (sins).

As disciples of Jesus, we have been given by God both the work (ministry) of reconciliation in this world, and the word that reconciles to God. In recent years, much has been said about the “divided” state of our society on many fronts: Economic, social, political, theological. . . Indeed, our divisions are many and deep. Our work is cut-out for us, and it is as clear as it is compelling.

The key to reconciling these disparate and conflicting parties is the word of reconciliation to God. Jesus, the word of God in human form, has shown us the way to reconciliation: Love God will all our being and love our neighbor as we love ourselves. This path seeks fellowship with everyone. This path bridges divisions as it seeks peace. This path aspires to the reconciliation of all humanity to God. “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called the [children] of God.” (Matthew 5:9) – Luther

December 26
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“But when he had considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream, saying, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife; for the Child who has been conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.'” (Matthew 1:20, New American Standard Version)

As we stand now only a few of days before the beginning of a new year, with all of its possibilities, we are also confronted with fear.

This was the case, time and again, in the scriptures: God presents new opportunities, but only the obstacles as seen. The obstacles, whatever they may be, are real. The risks, whatever they may be, are real. The work, whatever it is, is real.

In today’s scripture passage, Joseph had reason to fear — until he considered God’s role in his situation. As we consider what awaits each of us in the coming year, do we weigh the apparent problems as bigger, stronger, and more persistent than the omnipotent, omnipresent, omniscient One who is leading us? – Luther

December 24
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Christmas

“There were some shepherds in that part of the country who were spending the night in the fields, taking care of their flocks.  An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone over them.  They were terribly afraid, but the angel said to them, ‘Don’t be afraid! I am here with good news for you, which will bring great joy to all the people.  This very day in David’s town your Savior was born — Christ the Lord!  And this is what will prove it to you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.’”  (Luke 2:8-12, Good News Translation)

We’ve heard this story, or parts of it, so many times over the years its burrs and sharp angles been worn smooth.  Or maybe Luke’s account of Jesus’ birth doesn’t seem as preposterous as it once did because in our day, shepherds are respectable, stables are antiseptically acceptable, and the thought that the master of the universe would enter our sphere as a member of a small, disenfranchised people with a troubled history doesn’t seem to trouble us.

But it should trouble us, the fact that God would choose to appoint the least trustworthy (shepherds) in ancient Judean society to broadcast word of His Son’s arrival; or that He would use a feeding box for animals (manger) for His cradle; or that He would enter human history as a member of a misrepresented, misunderstood, and mistreated class of people (Jews).  It should trouble us because, unlike God’s selections, our heroes never seem flawed or lacking.

God’s employment of the stable; and His deployment of the shepherds, reminds us that He is always more interested our availability than in our apparent capability.

God can — and does — choose flawed people for his agents.  God can — and does — use crooked sticks in His designs.  This ought to encourage us immensely because it gives each one of us, regardless of our deficiencies, the opportunity to work with God!

As we see in the Christmas story with the Virgin Mary, and Joseph, and the Magi, and the shepherds: There is no limit to what God can accomplish through an obedient heart, and an available life.  – Luther

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