Christmas is over, and now the work begins. What work? Well, living as though you had seen the ChristChild. What have you said that needs retracting? What DIDn’t you say when the opportunity presented itself? Have you been the recipient of exotic gifts, and now are wondering to whom to give them? Are there folks right around you who need words of cheer and gifts of kindness and compassion? The work of Christmas is ready to be begun.
ISAIAH of Babylon gives us the first of the Servant Songs, 42:1-9. Who is this servant? It’s the one who has looked into the manger. God has a special place for this (or these): “Here is my servant, whom I uphold…” And later, Isaiah tells of one who doesn’t harm a bruised reed or a dimly burning wick…and boy, do I qualify for either! This servant is committed to justice, to giving new sight (insight?) to the blind, and to releasing the prisoners from dungeons and darkness. “New things I now declare.”
ACTS 10:34-43 introduces Peter’s sermon at Caesarea. He speaks of the universality of Christ, how Jesus forgives the sin of all who call on his name, and how believers are commanded to do “good”. He says that we’re all invited–expected–to pick up this new life and include the oppressed wherever we find them. Some folks didn’t know of the Servant passages, but were still invited to join others who’ve peered into the manger.
Today we remember the baptism of Jesus, and maybe our own. MATTHEW 3:12-17 tells us about it. The most memorable thing was the Voice, which proclaimed Jesus as the Son of God, the Beloved. And our own baptisms, whether or not the Voice or the dove was perceptible, also were announced as being marked by this Spirit. One of the things we promise, or promised for us, is the quest for justice and righteousness. Matthew places this event right at the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry; from there he was led by the Spirit into temptation, and conversations with the Evil One.
I usually try to end my blog with a hymn apropriate to the day. Fortunately for me, wiser minds than mine thought that “Splish,splash, I was taking a bath…” didn’t really cut it. So I lovingly present to you the third verse of “When Jesus Came to Jordan”: “Come, Holy Spirit, aid us to keep the vows we make; This very day invade us, and every bondage break.” –Fred Pratt Green, 1973 For you, 2026 is well begun!
In the process of unfolding, Horace Brown King
Remember your baptism and be glad by joining in the conversation about scriptures to be heard on the upcoming weekend; every Tuesday at horacebrownking.com
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