Diptych: Four Scenes from the Life of Christ
14th century
Detroit Institute of Arts
Malachi 3: 1-5
Psalm 25: 1-14
Luke 1: 57-66
On the eve, before the eve of the incarnation, timeless anticipation hovers. Silent expectation grows within us as the ancient prophecy takes-up-residence in our souls, inspiring us to Behold the promise of a messenger who is coming; justice will be restored by the One who is like a refiner’s fire. This powerful image evokes hope and trepidation mingling in the listening soul.
God’s time is not our time. God’s Promise broods over the eons, finally given human shape, revealed in Zachariah’s exuberance. John-the-Baptist born, forerunner to the Promise, Fully Realized in the incarnational presence: “God with us,” Jesus, the Christ. The One who IS … the real deal of Advent’s anticipatory joy.
Brooding backstage, the second coming of Christ, a Realized glimpse, early on Easter morn. Oh, how God’s time is not our time, yet time is formed and given by God, itself carries the Holy anticipation and the joy that fills all that which is of God.
On this eve, before the eve, consider making time, prayerful time, holy time to Behold God’s messengers of God’s Promise: the givers of peace, the makers of joy, the voices of hope, the spreaders of Love in the church, in our neighbourhoods, in our families and in our own lives, perhaps the hardest for us to see.
Our Triune God is the same yesterday, today and forever. God’s Promise never fades, never falters, but is as sure as refined gold. Without compromise, may we never hesitate to trust.
Amen, Amen, Amen
GailMarie Henderson