January 2, 2011 - The Second Sunday after Christmas
Today's Reading: Matthew 2:13-23
Daily Lectionary: Isaiah 62:1-12; Luke 2:1-20
When he arose, he took the young Child and His mother by night and departed for Egypt, and was there until the death of Herod, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, "Out of Egypt I called My Son." (Matthew 2:14-15)
In the Name + of Jesus. Amen. Merry Christmas! In the Old Testament, Israel was in Egypt for 430 years. Then they came out through the Red Sea. Next, they spent 40 years in the wilderness. At last, they went into the Promised Land and continued, year after year, to doubt God's promises.
When Jesus was born, His life was a repeat of Israel's life. He went to Egypt and came back out. He was in the wilderness for 40 days and then He lived His life in the Promised Land. But instead of doubting His Father, He always trusted in Him.
Later on, Old Testament Israel was punished for her idolatry and despising of God and sent into exile in Babylon. Jesus was sent into the “exile” of suffering and death, but this time not for something HE had done, but for what we sinners had done. On the cross, Jesus suffered on account of our sins so that we are forgiven on account of His life.
That's what His life is all about, beginning at His birth. Jesus came to live your life. The life you didn't live. The life in which you are supposed to fear and love and trust in God above all things but you don't. Jesus did. The life in which you are supposed to tirelessly love and care for other people instead of yourself, but don't. Jesus did. His birth marks the beginning of the earthly life in which He does what you were supposed to and then suffers and dies for your not doing it. He lived your life and died your death. so that His everlasting life is now yours.
All that is given to you in His Word. His Baptism. His Supper. The Jesus who did everything for you and in your place makes sure to give to you what He has done so that now in Him, the life you live is pleasing to God. Jesus was born to live your life and to give you His. In the Name of Jesus. Amen.
O Lord God, heavenly Father, who allowed Your dear Son, Jesus Christ, to become a stranger and sojourner in Egypt for our sake and led Him safely home to His fatherland, mercifully grant that we poor sinners who are strangers and sojourners in this perilous world, may finally come to our true home and fatherland, to live in joy and glory; through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen (Collect for Christmas 2)
Questions or comments regarding the Reflections may be sent to the Rev. Mark Buetow, Reflections Editor, reflections@higherthings.org.
Help keep the Higher Things Daily Reflections FREE!
Consider making a donation to support this service:
Consider making a donation to support this service:
Visit our website at www.higherthings.org to read Reflections online each day. Or sign up to receive daily Reflections in your e-mail Inbox by sending subscribing at: http://higherthings.org/reflections.html
Higher Things exists and grows on the basis of donations and free-will offerings from congregations and individuals. All donations are tax-deductible. If you wish to contribute to the work of Higher Things, Please send your donation to:
Higher Things, Inc.
P.O. Box 155
Holt, MO 64048
(Donations are also accepted at www.higherthings.org via credit card or PayPal on our support page.)
