We have expectations, but are often met with a reality that looks much different than we hoped. The good news of Jesus Christ is this: Who he really is, the reality beyond our expectations, is very good news for us.
This advent we discover who Jesus is and what he is promised to be through stories of the Old Testament. There a promise was made and expectations began. From the Old Testament to now, we learn Jesus is much better than we expected.
Invocation
Make the sign of the cross, and say,
In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Invitation Prayer
Jesus Christ is the Light of the world. The light no darkness can overcome.
Jesus, open our eyes to your light and our ears to your words of hope. Come, O long-expected Jesus. Our hope is in you. Amen.
Word: Genesis 33:4
“But Esau ran to meet him and embraced him and fell on his neck and kissed him, and they wept.”
Meditation: Beyond Repair
Today’s meditation is written by Nathan Schultz
You will see someone you may not want to see this Christmas. You have reason to not want to see them. You have kept the hurt you sent their direction just a bit under the hurt they have sent your way. The best you can do is tolerate one another.
There is disagreement on the facts. It has been years since the relationship broke. The cause of it is almost lost, but the story you tell yourself is still painful. It is justifiably painful and you are hurt.
Jacob and Esau are two brothers who had every reason to dislike one another. You can find that story in the eight chapters previous to this week’s reading.
But if one person had any justification to go for his brother’s head, Esau had every reason. He was cheated out of an inheritance and an even greater blessing that was meant for him. The last time they saw one another, 20 years previous, we learned Esau found comfort in the idea he would kill his brother. Those words must have echoed through Jacob’s mind the 20 years they were apart.
The story we read in Genesis 33 should be the retelling of a murder. Jacob throws himself on the ground hoping Esau would not kill him. His neck exposed, an army approaching, it was Jacob’s last ditch effort to earn mercy from his brother Esau.
And instead of a murder, we get Esau running, to embrace, kiss, and weep over his brother. I can’t for the life of me figure out what exactly happened in those 20 years. The story doesn’t give us much of anything that would point to Esau’s heart softening towards his brother.
But here is what I do know. Forgiveness is a divine act of God. It only happens with God and it can not happen without him. I have a difficult time coming up with forgiveness myself if it were not for the mercy God has shown me time and time again.
What I also am beginning to understand, is that even relationships themselves are a work of God. We are given to one another that we might be loved and reflect the love of a merciful God to one another. When relationships go bad, and we hurt one another, it is even there God would like to be present. Into the most improbable places, he brings his mercy and forgiveness. His work goes against all odds towards a reconciled relationship with one another.
This story is completely illogical. It feels like a fairytale. Your broken relationships seem too far gone. As you look at this coming weekend, will you pray for God to work at your Christmas gathering this year? I am going to do the same for my relationships that seem beyond repair. What may seem impossible, we hold out as a possibility.
Jesus, give us mercy when it is difficult to show mercy to others. Forgive us as we struggle to forgive one another. We hold out the possibility of a repaired relationship, even when it looks to be an impossibility. Amen.
Prayer for Rest
· For physical, mental, and emotional health.
· For times of joy, delight, and leisure.
· For a Sabbath day free from work, tasks, and stress.
· For a holy time of worship.
Closing Prayer
Lord God, Heavenly Father, in this weary world, the valley of the shadow of death, grant me rest in your illuminating love and eternal life. Amen!