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1 In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. 3 The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. 4 So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs. 5 For to which of the angels did God ever say, “You are my Son; today I have become your Father” ? Or again, “I will be his Father, and he will be my Son” ? 6 And again, when God brings his firstborn into the world, he says, “Let all God’s angels worship him.” 7 In speaking of the angels he says, “He makes his angels spirits, and his servants flames of fire.” 8 But about the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever; a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom. 9 You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy.” 10 He also says, “In the beginning, Lord, you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. 11 They will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment. 12 You will roll them up like a robe; like a garment they will be changed. But you remain the same, and your years will never end.” (Hebrews 1:1-4, 2:5-12 NRSV)
"If only God would write in the sky, 'I am real!' then I would believe!" You have either said that or heard that said by someone else. Others have had similiar demands of wanting proof that God is real. Yet, as we read this passage, the author says, "God spoke to our ancestors," and "He has spoken to us." How? In the past through prophets, and in these last days, by His Son. Jesus has spoken to us, claims the writer. And we know Jesus to be "the heir of all things," and, "Through (Jesus) also He made the universe." Yet, still so many doubt and question and deny that God is real, and that Jesus is God's Son.
Jesus did what He did so that we humans could be purified of our sins. He fulfilled God's purpose and all the prophecies we have in the Bible pointing towards what God would do through the Messiah, in this case, the Son of God. And the writer then takes us to the supernatural realm, where the mysterious element of Jesus is further explained in heavenly terms. Jesus sits at the right hand of God. Jesus is superior to the angels. Jesus is the Son of God. God commanded all the angels to worship Him. Jesus was present at, and involved in, the creation of all there is, and that the heavens and the earth are the work of His hands, which will perish, yet Jesus will remain; though all else may change, Jesus wuld remain the same and He would know no end.
This passage is no longer an Advent journey; this is our Christmas journey. These are the Biblical texts that affirm the birth and arrival of Jesus. The Advent journey brought us to this door called Jesus' birth (Christmasj and now that door is open. So many just get to the door, peek a bit in, and then walk right back away from it. Those who know and trust Jesus, know that this is what feeds our souls, strengthens our faith, and fuels our purpose in serving God and what God has asked of us. It is not only an affirmation of faith, but an affirmation of life in abundance. Our God loves us and did all that He did on Christmas, for us to have life and life in abundance.
One thing I firmly and faithfully believe; that in all things Christ has the last word. And He is God's last word for us. During His lifetime, Jesus taught us a new way in which to live. He turned everything upside down; the first shall be last; and the last shall be first; love your enemies and pray for them as well. If you have two coats, give one to the one who needs one because s/he does not have one. Do unto others, as you would have them do unto you; show mercy if you want mercy; and friends, the list is long because His love is long, everlasting, in fact. Jesus showed us the better way to live. As He also said right before His death, He said He was not of this world but of another kingdom; the Kingdom of Heaven; yet, many live as if their nation or region or area is better and above all others; and it is not - God's Kingdom is the only eternal kingdom I know, and in that kingdom, love, mercy, compassion, respect and honor are the only currencies allowed. The poor will say they are rich; the hungry will eat to their fill; and the thristy will have their thirsts quenched once and for all. Jesus also showed that He is always with us, no matter what we face; and as we pray, we ask that His will be done, and that, dear friends, assures us that indeed, Jesus had has the last word.
PRAYER: Loving Father, help us to reacquaint ourselves with Jesus, for He is the Open Door of Christmas. May we walk into the newness of the better life, leaving behind that open door the labels, hangups, resentments, hatred, and ignorance that for too long has defined us, and worse, helped us define others. Grand us not only the mind, but also the eyes and hearts of Jesus to bless the world with true Christmas love; for it is in His Name, Jesus, Lord at His birth, Lord of us, amen!
Have a great and blessed day in the Lord! Seek to live a new way today that confounds those who have known us as different!
Receive my blessings of hope, peace, and love,
Pastor Eradio Valverde, Jr.
