Series Introduction

In this new series by Sarah Raiter, she reflects: “On a normal shepherding day for Moses, a paranormal bush-fire, a flaming angel, a hot-holy meeting place and a voice that knows Moses by name! It claims to be his covenant God. It knows his people’s plight and has a plan. “Who me?? …And who, exactly, shall I say sent me?” 

God says to Moses, “I am who I am. Tell the Israelites, the one who is, has sent you.”  And, OK, it’s nomenclature (I AM gets transliterated to YHWH/LORD*) …but it nothing-like elucidates. We want to know you, God. Who, exactly, are you? 

In the tangle, or our wonder-lust to know and be known by God that bushfire was just one of a million-millions of epiphanies. Just another holy glow lighting the way toward the face of God.  

Then comes Jesus:  “If you’ve recognised who I am you’ll know that I’m one with my Father. Ergo, you’ll now know my Father! ….And as you live in loving obedience you’ll get to know me through my Spirit, and participate in the mutual love of my Father and me.“ (from John 14:7;20-21) 

So, here we are, getting to know God as we’re caught up in the dance of Father, Son and Spirit! 

Reflection: Named

All the hints are there. I mean, how many titles can a baby bear?! Before this babe can babble his destiny is clear. Born to shoulder a kingdom, earthly and divine. So much riding on this royal child: Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. And yet, while infant-bunny-wrapped, just as helpless as you and I.   

Ponder that familiar point again today: born of God and of man. He had to be that to be our Saviour and Lord. Even the angels knew that! “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”*

Prayer:

Glory to you, Father-God of cosmos and eternity! Extend your reconciling peace to us; be merciful to many humble hearts in your broken world today, through Jesus Christ our Saviour and Lord.

For further reflection, watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wgLYLvTG5kM 

Jesu joy of man’s desiring
Holy wisdom, love most bright
Drawn by Thee, our souls aspiring
Soar to uncreated light    (by JS Bach) 

Silent night, holy night,
All is calm, all is bright
Round yon virgin mother and child!
Holy Infant so tender and mild,
Sleep in heavenly peace,
Sleep in heavenly peace. 

Silent night, holy night,
Darkness flies, all is light;
Shepherds hear the angels sing,
“Alleluia! hail the King!
Christ the Saviour is born,
Christ the Saviour is born.” 

Silent night, holy night,
Son of God, love’s pure light
Radiant beams from Thy holy face,
With the dawn of redeeming grace,
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth,
Jesus, Lord, at Thy birth.   hymn by Joseph Mohr 

*Isaiah 9:6; Luke 2:14