12.31: “Come, Let Us Adore Him”

Tuesday, December 31

 “That which was from the beginning, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon, and our hands have handled, concerning the Word of life–the life was manifested, and we have seen and bear witness, and declare to you that eternal life which was with the Father and was manifested to us.  And these things we write to you that your joy may be full.”    1 John 1:1-2, 4

 

From a commentary, I learned that in the early church, after Jesus was crucified, there were heretics who took a different view of what the “Christian church” should look like; many doubting Jesus’ humanity and divinity.  Many of the eyewitnesses living during Jesus’ time had already died, and John was an elder statesman at the time he wrote this letter. He wanted the world to know that Jesus was a real person–the Son of Man, but also, the Son of God.

Isn’t it interesting that in our culture, the passage of time is measured by Jesus’ birth?   “Before Christ,” (B.C.–which has been replaced by B.C.E.) was used to designate the years before Jesus was born.  Likewise, “Anno Domini” (A.D.) means “In the year of our Lord.”

It’s New Year’s Eve, the passage of the old year into the new.  So, before you get ready to attend that neighborhood party and join the gang singing “Auld Lange Syne,” take some time to reflect on baby Jesus, who had such an impact on our world.

  

Prayer:

 Jesus, we remember this Advent season with joy year after year; century after century.  Amen.

Sue Healy