Presences of Peace- Friday, December 27th

ANGEL OF THE RESURRECTION

The Angel of the Resurrection feels a bit out of season, doesn’t it? But here we have the essential and best Good News of Christmas. This Jesus, born to us as a baby, would one day overcome death in his glorious resurrection!

Light the Prophecy, Bethlehem, Shepherd, Angel and Christ Candles.

Matthew 28:1-6 (NRSV)

After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. And suddenly there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord, descending from heaven, came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightning, and his clothing white as snow. For fear of him the guards shook and became like dead men. But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid; I know that you are looking for Jesus who was crucified. He is not here; for he has been raised, as he said. Come, see the place where he lay. Then go quickly and tell his disciples, ‘He has been raised from the dead, and indeed he is going ahead of you to Galilee; there you will see him.’ This is my message for you.” So they left the tomb quickly with fear and great joy, and ran to tell his disciples. 

We celebrate Christmas as the time when God came to us in Jesus, as a tiny human baby, born in a manger. Years later, after his death the angel rolled the stone away and told the women that Jesus was no longer there. Jesus came again to us as a resurrected body. Later he would come again to us as Spirit. Jesus just keeps coming to us. Jesus comes to us as God’s Word, as God’s creation, as God’s love, as a person, as a resurrected being, and as a Spirit who lives within us now! And we are promised that one day, Jesus will come again in a brand new way.

Our Presence of Peace is Jesus’ presence, coming to us in a variety of ways, remaining with us in an eternal presence forever. Life with Christ is now. Here. This very moment. And forever.

Prayer: Jesus, we know you are already with us, but help us to remain aware of you. Keep coming, Jesus! Come to us in every moment. Thank you.   Amen.