The Word of the Week
This is a Weekly podcast, inspired by THE WORD of GOD. This 5-minute podcast, will acquaint you with the WORD of GOD by focusing your bible study on how everyday words are used in scripture.
The personal thoughts I share are based on my spiritual journey and life lessons. Subscribe to become a member of the "Word of the Week-Newton" Group which will make you eligible to receive the Word of the Week by email each week, and give you access to our study journal and other subscriber benefits.
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The Word of the Week
WORD OF THE WEEK - JESUS - 12/15/24
Definition: "Yahweh is salvation" or "God saves".
Scriptures:
Luke 2:8-11“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” Matthew 3:17 “And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”’Isaiah 9:6 - “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
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Scriptures:
Luke 2:8-11“And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.” Matthew 3:17 “And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”’Isaiah 9:6 - “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
THOUGHT
As I reflected on the Word of the Week, I began to wonder: What if Jesus returned during the Christmas season? “How would Jesus view the world and the way we celebrate his birth?” Would he be amazed or appalled, joyful or confused, encouraged or disappointed?
Would he marvel at the significance his birth has had on the world, or wonder why we celebrate it during the winter solstice instead of a time more aligned with shepherds watching their flocks, likely in spring or early summer?
Would Jesus be astonished to find that the humble place of his birth is now one of the most sacred sites on earth, housing “the Church of the Nativity:”, the oldest known Christian place of worship? Would he be moved by the honor given to the spot where his mother Mary nursed him, enshrined at “the Chapel of the Milk Grotto,” and by the devotion of the Sisters of the Perpetual Adorers, who care for that holy site with unceasing prayers and hymns?
Would he understand how his blessed birth has become entangled with the legend of Saint Nicholas? How would he view the impact of their simultaneous celebrations on the world today?
Would he recognize Bethlehem, the city of his birth—now threatened by destruction—by those who were once neighbors and kinsmen, whether Muslim or Jew, as they struggle for control over the land, they all call Holy?
What would Jesus think about being honored as a prophet by Muslims, even as they deny his divinity as the Son of God?
Would he celebrate the songs and messages of peace on earth and goodwill toward men, or question the hypocrisy of nations that claim to follow him yet turn their backs on refugees and the oppressed?
Would Jesus see the giving of toys to children as a reflection of his love, or wonder why so many of those same children go to bed hungry or have no place to sleep?
Would he find the world better because of his birth and ministry, or would he lament the rise of cynicism, materialism, injustice and evil despite his teachings of love, peace, and compassion?
Would he take a whip to the money changers who profit from the commercialization of his church, as he did in the temple of Jerusalem, or commend church leaders for their efforts in spreading his message and making disciples of all nations?
How would Jesus respond to the evolving role of women in the church? Would he be troubled by it, or would he honor their leadership in advancing his mission of love and service?
To these questions, I have no answers. But they are worth pondering for all who call on the name of Jesus as Savior and Redeemer.
If we truly believe that Jesus is the reason for the season, perhaps we should ask ourselves whether our actions, traditions, and celebrations reflect his teachings. Perhaps we should ask, with sincerity and humility:
“What would Jesus do?”
