December 22nd

Daily Reading

Psalm 68:18

When you ascended to the heights,
you led a crowd of captives.
You received gifts from the people,
even from those who rebelled against you.
Now the Lord God will live among us there.

Psalm 110:1

The Lord said to my Lord,
“Sit in the place of honor at my right hand
until I humble your enemies,
making them a footstool under your feet.”

Mark 16:19

When the Lord Jesus had finished talking with them, he was taken up into heaven and sat down in the place of honor at God’s right hand.

Matthew 22:44

‘The Lord said to my Lord,
Sit in the place of honor at my right hand
until I humble your enemies beneath your feet.’

(Readings taken from Bible Gateway, https://www.biblegateway.com/ New Living Translation)

Seated in Glory

He came. He lived. He died.

But that’s not the end of this ancient Christmas story. Because our God put his power on display when He rose and ascended in Glory.

And now, that tiny baby laid in a manger sits at the Father’s right hand and reigns.

If we pause here, we could end this season of Advent disappointed. Initially captivated by a God who chose here to dwell, a God who drew near to step into our chaos; but now sits atop a Royal throne, dictating from a distance. That conclusion would rightfully generate sighs and stooped shoulders. The reality of His distance heavy upon us.

But there is more.

A sequel worth celebrating.

A promise of peace, hope and Light to every person, in every place. Unadulterated access to God’s transcendent, generous Grace.

The Spirit which hovered over unformed waters, pregnant with creativity; drew Simeon to the Temple to declare Jesus’ Divinity and partnered with our Saviour in acts of miraculous hospitality.

The Spirit which embodied a dove, a symbol of new hope for Noah as the flood waters dissolved, and new life in the temple when it’s blood was spilled.

This same Spirit was poured out on women and men in equal measure. The same Spirit which raised Jesus from the dead has become our undeserved treasure!

And now Jesus will live for all of Eternity and has been given all authority to minister reconciliation to all of humanity. It is a mysterious and unfathomable and wonderful gift. Jesus, our advocate. Jesus our King.