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Thursday in the Octave of Christmas

Then Jesus came from Galilee to John at the Jordan to be baptized by him. John tried to prevent him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and yet you are coming to me?” Jesus said to him in reply, “Allow it for now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he allowed him.

After Jesus was baptized, he came up from the water and behold, the heavens were opened for him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming upon him. And a voice came from the heavens, saying, “This is by beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” (Matthew 3:13-17)

This is the first appearance of the adult Jesus in Matthew’s Gospel. He has left his home in Nazareth and come south to listen to a famous preacher called John the Baptist.

Why did Jesus receive John’s baptism of repentance? In Matthew’s account, John himself wonders and says that Jesus should baptize him. Jesus tells John to do it anyway, and nicely includes John when he says, “it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness” (i.e. the plan of God).

Why did Jesus receive this baptism? Because he came to identify with sinners, and right from the start of his ministry this is exactly what he does.

Criticized for associating with people like us, he never hedges on this or backs away from it. He came for us, and for our salvation.

Jesus is on our side. Our side.

Spend some quiet time with the Lord.

Friday, December 31, 2004

Rosh Hashana

Every culture celebrates a New Year, though they mark this event at differing times.

The Jewish year, for example, follows a lunar calendar and the New Year begins with the month of Tishri which occurs in September or early October. The Jewish people celebrate a two-day religious feast called Rosh Hashana (Hebrew for “head of the year”). It begins with the blowing of the ram’s horn (shofar) to awaken the people to a renewed appreciation of God’s revelation at Mt. Sinai.

Rosh Hashana is also known as the Day of Remembrance, for on that day the Jewish people remember not only the covenant at Mt. Sinai, but also the creation of the world.

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Acts of purification have long characterized New Year rituals. People want to cleanse themselves of the past and make a fresh start. Thus, the custom of “New Year’s Resolutions.”

There are nine days left in the Christmas Season..