Holy Textures

Luke 1:26-38

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Note: I do not follow the Lectionary during Advent. In my humble opinion, folks need to hear the Biblical story of the birth of Jesus early and often to help counteract the massive promotion of Santa Claus and shopping. I also promote the singing of Christmas carols starting with Advent 1. For an excellent reflection on the Matthew text for Advent 1, check out this sermon by George Hermanson, Being A Light In Difficult Times.

Sandra Severs has produced some excellent Advent resources, Empire and Incarnation, which you can use by clicking here.

The history of the Church's reflection on the stories of Jesus' birth is probably as complicated and mysterious as the stories themselves. It is probably impossible for us to hear the birth stories - to "get" them - with same ears - the same understanding - as the first hearers would have.

Luke 23:33-43

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This lesson, chosen for Christ the King / The Reign of Christ Sunday, seems to be chosen as a deliberate counter-point to the temptation to rush to a quick and easy, "Christ the all-powerful King will rescue you from all physical hardships, and prevent any bad things from happening to you," type of sermons.

Indeed, the question that cries out from the page is, "If Jesus can't save himself, how can he save us?"

Luke 21:5-19

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The readings at this time of year are out of sync with what is happening in malls and stores everywhere: they are gearing up for that shopping madness called Christmas; the lessons are gearing up for cosmic conflict and death. Folks come expecting some advance preparation for Christmas; they get lessons about global warfare, plagues, confrontation, betrayal, persecution, and ... endurance and salvation.

I sometimes think we should make the Reign of Christ a whole new Season in the Christian calendar just to give everyone a heads up.

Luke 20:27-38

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It is important to remember the context of this passage: Jesus has entered Jerusalem (Luke 19:28-40) and a series of confrontations with the authorities begins. After telling the parable of the wicked tenants (Luke 20:9-19), Luke comments:

So they watched (Jesus) and sent spies who pretended to be honest, in order to trap him by what he said, so as to hand him over to the jurisdiction and authority of the governor.
Luke 20:20 (NRSV)