“Oh holy night, the stars are brightly shining…”
Just as the wise men looked to the stars many Christmases ago, we too seek a bright star to guide us in our celebration of Jesus’ birth. Throughout the season of Advent, we are sharing daily reflections from the people of Saint Luke to help brighten our paths. Our daily writers offer to us their reflections on the various names used for Jesus in the Bible. Together their stars form a constellation of wonder that can fill us with hope, love, peace and joy as we journey towards Christmas.
Today’s reflection is from Sherri Moir. Sherri has been a member of Saint Luke for nearly 25 years. She currently serve on the Worship & Music committee and coordinates and trains our young Acolytes!
Lamb of God
“ John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, ‘Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.’” - John 1:29
When we think about lambs, we might think first of cute and fuzzy-white small animals, pure and innocent, frolicking in green fields. This is perfectly reasonable for 21st century Americans. But when John the Baptist was at the river baptizing 2000 years ago, and declared Jesus to be the Lamb of God, the people listening probably thought more about how their lambs were typically a sacrifice for their sins, a consequence for breaking a sacred law. He was trying to tell them that this man was to be a pure and innocent sacrifice for them. Shocking thoughts.
Calling Jesus the Lamb of God is a reminder that we always need to think about that ultimate sacrifice, and I think similarly, the sacrifices that others may have made for us throughout life. It is also a reminder to give of yourself, perhaps make a sacrifice, when it’s for the good of the world.
Dear God, thank you for today. Thank you for sending Jesus, the Lamb of God, to walk with us and remind us that you are always with us. Thank you for his sacrifice on the cross for our sins, and all the sins of the world. Help us to remember and appreciate anyone who sacrifices anything for others. In your name we pray, Amen.