Devotional 12-3-07

The Lectionary Reading found in The Upper Room Disciplines is from the book of Psalms:

Give the king your justice, O God, and your righteousness to a king's son.
May he judge your people with righteousness, and your poor with justice.

May he defend the cause of the poor of the people, give deliverance to the needy,

and crush the oppressor.

In his days may righteousness flourish and peace abound, until the moon is no more.

(Psalm 71:1-2,4,7)

This passage reminds us that Jesus, the Christ, Prince of Peace, King of Kings, came first to the poor, the powerless, the invisible people – those deemed to be of little or no value by society's standards.

Imagine a monarch or head of state who cannot be trapped by his own self-importance and absolute authority; who refuses to be influenced by popular rhetoric. Imagine a leader who loves God and people; who brings hope and healing, justice and mercy to those his predecessors chose to ignore.

Imagine how unpopular he would be to those living quite comfortable lives, those wishing not to be reminded of the uglier side of life existing on the other side of town, or the other side of the tracks, and especially on the other side of the street.

Imagine how cherished he would be by those he moved to lift up, to feed, to comfort, to heal – by those he called by name – using his power and authority to bring justice, to restore peace, to lead by example, and to love beyond measure.

Read the words of John Bell in his "Carol of the Epiphany:"

I sought him dressed in finest clothes, where money talks and status grows;
but power and wealth he never chose:

It seemed he lived in poverty.

I sought him in the safest place, remote from crime or cheap disgrace;

but safety never knew his face:

It seemed he lived in jeopardy.

I sought him in the spotlight's glare, where crowds collect and critics stare;

but no one knew his presence there:

It seemed he lived in obscurity.

Then, in the streets, we heard the word that seemed, for all the world, absurd:

That those who could no gifts afford

Were entertaining Christ the Lord.

And so, distinct from all we'd planned, among the poorest of the land;

we did what few might understand:

We touched God in a baby's hand.

Advent is a time of waiting and preparation, an eager anticipation of something new.

Where will our hearts tell us to look for Him this Christmas Season?

Linda Summers