The Genesis of Jesus Christ
Matthew 1:1 & 18
Dear Friends in Christ,
What a difference a word makes. In English the word genesis above is translated two other ways: beginning, and, birth. Also good words. But our ancestors and Jesus’ family knew the importance of the word genesis in Greek, and it packs a power: creation, new life, God’s involvement, God’s story. For our ancestors Jesus wasn’t just born (which is pretty good in itself), but all of us got a fresh infusion of divinity. All of us got love incarnate.
A fresh infusion and love incarnate, as well as new life, don’t mean that the past is gone nor is it unimportant. Last Christmas and the ones before that are precious. But so is the promise of refreshment, recalculation, renewal, restoration, and all the other elements of prophecy and Gospel that merge together. We would not be who we are without last year. God is the one who calls us to this year, and to the future. God goes ahead of us in genesis.
I am thankful that during December we wrap up our very recent offering of turkeys and canned goods for the Newton Food Pantry. I’m thankful that our children are just about to tell us the story of the Star once again, that we’ll receive lessons and carols on Sunday afternoon, and that our Mission Committee is working at the Advent Market to house the homeless and breed some more bees, ducks, and chickens. That’s the Heifer project — not something we do here in the building! And then I look forward to the candlelight on Christmas Eve.
There is a great deal that is changing in our culture just now. Some of it may even change the way that we can be a church — the idea of removing non-profit status arises next year. Social media, new habits since covid, and just plain cultural norms are evolving. But this is true also: God’s promises remain the same. God’s love is eternal. God’s justice is the divine foundation and throne, if we believe our scripture. These things don’t change, which is good news.
It is also why the genesis of Jesus is welcome always. The freedom that comes with creation, and the joy that comes with being a congregation are both precious. So I hope to see you at the pageant, the carol sing, the Advent market, and perhaps even by candlelight. Indeed, when we turn off the ceiling lights Christmas Eve, and spread the light, we practice a sacred mystery and prophecy: that we become the ones who spread light in Jesus’ name, which is the genesis of everything we need and hope.
God’s peace to you,
