And this will be the longest task: to attend,
to open myself.
The Other, Ruth Fainlight
Wanderer of the light, Nicholas Roerich
I have loved you with an everlasting love
I have continued my faithfulness to you
Jeremiah 31:3
Love in action
Why is the birth such good news? The Messiah is finally coming. The understanding is that that this will make a significant difference. This finds echo in John Janaro's* words 'they found this man Jesus, who had awakened in them (in various ways) an expectation of something that would make life better'.
He has provide for us a mighty Saviour,
he promised that he would save us...from the power of those who hate us.
He said he would show mercy...and remember his sacred covenent...
he promised to rescue us from our enemies
and allow us to serve him without fear. Luke 1:69-74
The joy that precedes and surrounds the Christmas narrative is rooted in the belief in love in action; of a Messiah that is no pin-up God who actually does nothing effective. One who like Roerich's picture seeks, walks and accompanies. The gospel narrative continues on, describing the path that such love will then choose to take, often a surprising and heart rending one at that.
What is it that we expect and want to be better? What role has Jesus to play for us? Do we need to re-engage with what we imagine the Messiah has come to do?