with a unique set of scripture texts. First Readings emphasize
the promise of what is to be fulfilled in time: from Genesis,
through Jeremiah, Judges, the Song of Songs, 1 Samuel, Malachi,
until Nathan the prophet speaks to David of a never-ending dynasty,
where a Son of David will establish “a throne forever.”
We are co-heirs to that, in Christ, the Messiah.
And what a way to begin this 7-day build-up with today's Password:
The Word lived-out brings us peace.
http://www.photographytips.com/images/8lion-cub-mara.jpg
Genesis 49:2.8-10 - “Judah is a lion cub,” waiting for maturity,
waiting “until he come to whom it (the sceptre, the mace) belongs,
to whom the peoples shall render obedience.”
For us that person is Jesus. The Gospel today from Matthew (1:1-17)
traces the genealogy of Jesus since the time of Abraham,
and divides all those generations into three sets of fourteen
(Abraham to David, David to the Babylonian deportation,
and from Babylon to Christ).
What is your genealogy?
How far back can you trace your families?
How many million people needed to have met
before you and I were born?
Each parent had two parents, who each had two parents,
who each had….
You are not a mistake.
You are a vital and integral part of a genealogy of time
for your life now, and those after you.
Your culture, your background, your language,
your faith-expression, your strengths, and your failures …
these are all needed to make you the person you are.
What do you want to become?
What do you want to leave after you?
Living the Word means that you can at least bequeath "peace"
to those after you:
The Word lived-out brings us peace.
Allow the newborn Jesus to make you an heir of His Kingdom,
and part of His Dynasty as an adopted daughter or son.
You have role to play.
Whatever mistakes or grave errors you have made in the past,
they do not have to continue!
After all, that will be the message of this newborn babe.
The choice is yours.
The lion cub has grown into a lion or a lioness.
That is you,
if you take on that responsibility in faith in Jesus Christ
and accept who Jesus is, in you.
Let that Word express itself through you,
and the "lion cub" will promise peace!
What a challenge!
What a “divine adventure” awaits you if you do.
Allow yourself to be blessed again in this Christmas.
G
[ The Word lived-out brings us peace.
La Parola vissuta ci dà pace
A Palavra vivida nos dá paz
La Parole vécue nous procure la paix
La Palabra vivida nos da paz
Leben aus dem Wort schenkt Frieden
Het geleefde Woord geeft ons innerlijke vrede ]
