Arulvakku

25.12.11 JESUS IS FOR ALL

Posted under Reflections on December 23rd, 2011 by

 

…and she gave birth to her firstborn son. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. Now there were shepherds in that region living in the fields and keeping the night watch over their flock… The angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For today in the city of David a savior has been born for you who is Messiah and Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find an infant wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger." And suddenly there was a multitude of the heavenly host with the angel, praising God and saying: "Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests." (Lk 2:1-14 )

 

 

Luke the Evangelist is trying to picture the scene of the Nativity of Jesus. He gives the historical background to the arrival of Jesus. He speaks about the ruler of the nations during whose reign Jesus was born. Jesus was historical. Then he was trying to picture him in sociological background. He belonged to the clan of David. And this was the reason that Joseph, Mary with the child moved on to Bethlehem, the city of David.

 

Next he gives a surprise. There was no room for Jesus in the town, in the houses and in the inn. Does the author try to place Jesus out side historical and sociological context? I should think so. Though the birth of Jesus is historical and sociological yet the actual birth of Jesus is outside history and society. He was born were the animals were staying (animal do not keep historical count and sociological references). Jesus is outside history and society. This could be the reason why he is all things to all.

 

The message is given to the shepherds who are also outside the historical and sociological contexts while they were keeping the night watch. They were one with the nature. They were with the animals but in the open where there was no shelter for them to stay. They were in the periphery of the society. In fact they were nomads. They were outside the society.  To them the good news is given. Good news is given to the whole of creation and this is done so by showing outside historical sociological contexts.


24.12.11 SALVATION

Posted under Reflections on December 23rd, 2011 by

Then Zechariah his father, filled with the holy Spirit, prophesied, saying: "Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, for he has visited and brought redemption to his people. He has raised up a horn for our salvation within the house of David his servant, even as he promised through the mouth of his holy prophets from of old: salvation from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us,…  (Lk 1:67-79)

 

 

Zechariah prophesied. His prophecy was one of blessing God for the work of redemption. God’s work of salvation has begun and it has begun from the house of David. This salvation was promised through all the prophets and it was an oath sworn to Abraham. This is a model song to sing regularly for the salvation received from God.

 

This salvation is a rescue from the enemies. Our God is a saviour-God. He has rescued us from evil, from danger and from difficulties and from situations of death. He rescued us from enemies who have threatened our life with fear   and those who hate. Salvation is to create a situation of freedom and liberty. It is in this freedom that we are called to worship God.

 

The child that is born is to give this knowledge of salvation. The child is the forerunner to this salvation and he has to reveal this salvation is from sin and dangers. The child that is born is not only to give the knowledge of salvation but also to inform the people that the saviour is at hand. The saviour is sent to the people because of the tender mercy of God.

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