Links for today’s readings:
Read: Nehemiah 6 Listen: (3:19)
Read: Revelation 15 Listen: (1:29)
Links for Wednesday’s readings:
Read: Nehemiah 7 Listen: (6:37), Read: Revelation 16 Listen: (3:17)
Scripture Focus: Revelation 15.2-4
2 And I saw what looked like a sea of glass glowing with fire and, standing beside the sea, those who had been victorious over the beast and its image and over the number of its name. They held harps given them by God 3 and sang the song of God’s servant Moses and of the Lamb:
“Great and marvelous are your deeds,
Lord God Almighty.
Just and true are your ways,
King of the nations.
4 Who will not fear you, Lord,
and bring glory to your name?
For you alone are holy.
All nations will come
and worship before you,
for your righteous acts have been revealed.”
Reflection: Christmas and Kaiju — Love of Advent
By John Tillman
The Internet was amused this year by a giant Godzilla-shaped Christmas tree displayed in Japan since 2000.
The Japanese term kaiju, popularized by the creator of Godzilla, means “strange monster.” Kaiju are sometimes interpreted as elemental forces of judgment. When evils such as radioactive waste, greed, or militarism spread, Kaiju rise, wreaking havoc as nature’s vengeance. Often, one kaiju saves humanity from another. In some films, Godzilla is the “good” monster that defeats other monsters.
In Revelation there are “strange monsters,” beasts, dragons, and brutal empires allied against God and God’s people. But instead of a benevolent monster, their opponents are a woman giving birth to a baby, a lamb, and a choir of harpists.
A baby versus a dragon?
A lamb versus a beast?
A choir of harpists versus all the armies of the kings of the earth?
Our world can seem dark as the looming shadows of monsters spread: violence, oppression, political chaos, economic collapse, war, and even nuclear war. In the shadow of such monsters, we may long for a vengeful Godzilla-like savior.
Yet, God sent a baby, not a beast. Instead of a benevolent monster rising out of the ocean to tower over us, a suffering servant descended from heaven to the lowliest place.
“But Jesus’ second advent will be different,” someone may say. True. But even then, Jesus is not our Godzilla. Godzilla battles foes as powerful or more powerful than he is. The battle itself lays waste to the earth. Jesus doesn’t struggle because the battle is already won. He will crush the serpent, no matter how large the lizard grows. The enemies of God and God’s people will face destruction. The power of sin, death, and hell, will be finally and completely vanquished. Jesus will speak a word and they will be powerless and destroyed. Christ’s victory at his second coming was won at his first.
Instead of battling for power and causing destruction, Jesus surrendered power and faced destruction on our behalf. He fought by dying on the cross. His victory is his resurrection and ours. His weapon is love, not rage.
Celebrating Jesus’ first advent prepares us for his second. He will not be a monster of rage, revenge, and havoc, but the same messiah of love, protection, and care revealed to us in the gospels. “This same Jesus,” (Acts 1.11) will return. Ready your hearts to worship him.
Divine Hours Prayer: The Call to Prayer
Praise him from whom all blessings flow; praise him all creatures here below; praise him above you heavenly hosts; praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
– From The Divine Hours: Prayers for Autumn and Wintertime by Phyllis Tickle.
Read more about Peace from Labor
“What Child is This?” speaks to the unexpected form of our Savior. Good Christians, fear, for sinners here / the silent Word is pleading. His labor of love never ceases.
Read more about Silent Night — Carols of Advent Joy
Silent Night was born out of a period of insecurity and instability.
