The Voice Crying Out – 13 December, 2020

What we have here is an opportunity to see the good news of God’s justice incarnate in the Christmas event. While it is always appropriate to expound on the personal piety of Christmas and the significance of Immanuel for our eternal redemption, the lectionary readings are giving us an opportunity to reframe this experience in a global context.

What is happening in the incarnation is significant not only for those who will celebrate in abundance with presents under a tree in the living room; it is significant for those who do not have the luxury of brightly decorated Christmas trees or shiny wrapped presents or even living rooms. –– John H. Barden

John 1:6-8, 19-28

The main concern of the text is not John, but God’s work in Jesus Christ. John is repeatedly referred to, and identifies himself as, a witness to the Word, which is Jesus Christ. John’s testimony, with respect to who he was and what his role was, was not a part of his proclamation but was in response to priests, Levites, and others who were investigating him and who were likely sent to John by the Pharisees and other religious leaders. John claimed no title or station; he was merely a witness, a voice, to what and who was to come. Similarly, the church proclaims in the season of Advent that we are not the light. We are here to bear witness to the light. Without that light, we exist in the darkness. –– Carol J. Noren

Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11

[This text] reflects a prophetic call, even though there is no clarity on who is being called. (The early church interpreted these words as predictions about Jesus and the life of the church, but it is more reasonable to believe that the primary figure was someone known to Isaiah’s audience.) Regardless of whom the person was, that one’s calling was to bring a reversal of fate to those suffering loss and misfortune. Some scholars have speculated that those being addressed were living in the postexilic period.

The lesson offers three reasons for finding joy: (1) God is on the side of the underdog (vv 1–4); (2) God loves justice (vv 8–9); and (3) God has saved us (vv 10–11). This is a text about the future, and offers a reminder that the ultimate goal of salvation is an entirely new world order, a reality that humanity cannot even comprehend. –– Carol J. Noren

1 Thessalonians 5:16-24

Not only is 1 Thessalonians considered to be the earliest preserved letter from Paul, it may also be the earliest preserved portion of Christian literature. This letter, which Paul wrote from Corinth, was written in response to persecution of the church members by nonbelievers. Paul wrote words of encouragement to affirm their faith, as well as to offer guidance and direction.

Living in the interim between the “already” and the “not yet” required prudence in prayer and continual thanksgiving, as well as identifying and holding fast to all that is good. Our faith requires positive action, not passive procrastination. –– Carol J. Noren

John H. Barden, a Presbyterian pastor, received the Angell Award in 2005 from the Presbyterian Writers’ Guild for his book of original folktales, ‘Postle Jack Tales (KiwE Publishing, 2004)

Carol J. Noren, a United Methodist pastor, is professor emeritus of homiletics at North Park Theological Seminary. Her published works focus on worship and preaching.

Homily Service 42, no. 1 (2008): 26-34.