Advent calendar 2020

Advent 5 - Thursday 3rd December 2020

Picture: The Star of Bethlehem, by Sir Edward Burne-Jones 1887-1891. To the left, Joseph, Mary and the infant Christ to the right, the three kings, Balthazar, Melchior and Gaspar

Introduction

‘Are you having an ethical Christmas?’

In my final undergraduate year at Edinburgh University, I took a joint honours degree which included ethics, also known as moral philosophy. I’m not certain it helped me be a more ethical or moral person, but it did underscore the incredible complexity and frequent ambiguity in the formation and shaping of moral values.

Bible Readings

Leviticus 19:33-34
When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them. The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the Lord your God.

Matthew 1:18-24
Joseph Accepts Jesus as His Son
This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant through the Holy Spirit. Because Joseph her husband was faithful to the law, and yet did not want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly.
But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”
All this took place to fulfil what the Lord had said through the prophet: “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).
When Joseph woke up, he did what the angel of the Lord had commanded him and took Mary home as his wife.

Reflection

The ambiguity of ethics plays a part in the Christmas Story. According the Old Testament Law, Mary becoming pregnant out of marriage was punishable by death. Rather than having her publicly disgraced and putting her life in peril, Joseph had decided on a quiet divorce. However, in a message delivered via an Angel in a dream, God changed Joseph’s mind about Mary. Instead he took Mary and raised the infant child as his own.

What we learn here is that Jesus coming among us changes everything. Ethics and values are no longer just about right and wrong. The way we live our lives and made our decisions all become challenged and shaped by God’s divine love and presence.

Billy Graham makes an interesting comment here:
“Since Jesus Christ walked the earth, the thinking of the world concerning social matters has changed radically. Because of Him, the world has witnessed a new reverence for human life and learned something of the dignity and worth of man. Three out of every five men whom Paul passed on the streets of Rome were slaves. It was Christ’s assertion that every individual has immeasurable value in the sight of God, and it was this message that helped eventually to free the slaves. He said, “Of how much more value is a man than a sheep!” (Matthew 12:12, RSV).
It was Jesus who taught us that every person is a potential child of God. When He lived on earth, no one was His special pet because of riches or poverty. Rank and social distinction meant nothing to Him. It was for man, as man, that Christ cared.
And because of Jesus, women are respected and valued. In much of ancient literature woman was regarded as little more than an animal.
As a result of the coming of Christ Jesus, thousands of Christians through the ages have given of their lives to help their neighbour, to relieve poverty, to care for the sick. Most hospitals, orphanages, institutions for the poor and asylums have their origin in His followers. The social conscience was deepened by the coming of Christ.”

Prayer

A prayer for refugees
Almighty and merciful God,
whose Son became a refugee and had no place to call his own;
look with mercy on those who today are fleeing from danger,
homeless and hungry.
Bless those who work to bring them relief;
inspire generosity and compassion in all our hearts;
and guide the nations of the world towards that day when all will rejoice in your Kingdom of justice and of peace;
through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.

Blessed are You, Lord Jesus Christ.
You crossed every border
between Divinity and humanity
to make your home with us.
Help us to welcome you in newcomers,
migrants and refugees.
Blessed are You, God of all nations.
You bless our land richly
with goods of creation
and with people made in your image.
Help us to be good stewards and peacemakers,
who live as your children.
Blessed are You, Holy Spirit.
You work in the hearts of all
to bring about harmony and goodwill.
Strengthen us to welcome those
from other lands, cultures, religions,
that we may live in human solidarity
and in hope.
God of all people, grant us vision
to see your presence in our midst,
especially in our immigrant sisters and brothers.
Give us courage to open the door to our neighbours
and grace to build a society of justice.
Amen.

A Prayer for ourselves
Lord, help us to listen for your word and to act with justice and compassion.
Help our government to formulate more humane policies and better standards in the face of mass migration.
Help us to be your people, shaping and favouring the world around us with integrity and grace.
In Jesus name, we make our prayers.
Amen.

Blessing

May the wisdom of the Wonderful Counsellor direct us,
the strength of the Mighty God protect us,
the love of the Everlasting Father embrace us,
the peace of the Prince of Peace surround us.

Other days in the Advent Calendar