Isaiah 61:10 - 62:3

Christmas 1 - Year B

Isaiah 61:10 - 62:3

For what will you refuse to remain silent? For what will you not rest?

As we move toward a low attendance Sunday we are reminded of a key institutional issue, heirarchy - which is to say, let the preacher do our faith for us. After all, we pay for the privilege of avoiding zeal. Oh, we can get exercised about the way someone else’s idea won the day on the color of the kitchen or the time of holiday services, but on the big justice issues, the national issues, the world issues - we play the “I don’t know” card or the false balance of there being at least one point on both sides.

Yes, rejoice for the blessings that have come your way. But an even bigger Yes needs to go to the use of such blessings to increase blessings for all, commonwealth for all. To settle for personal rejoicing in the face of such great need is an abomination and we don’t hear much about abomination in a Christmas season.

If you have a sense of salvation for yourself and keep it there, it will slide away quickly enough.

Will you speak out for Mary and women this week? For children after their birth?