Week 4, Saturday December 24
Vs 36, “Look towards the east, O Jerusalem,
and see the joy that is coming to you from God.”
The gospel of Matthew uniquely describes the star in the east that led the wise men to the Christ child. In this concluding passage from Baruch, he tells of the star in the east that will bring “joy from God.”
The Christmas hymn, “Oh Little Town of Bethlem” captures this glorious message of the star in the east: that “in thy dark streets shineth thy everlasting light the hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight;” “Oh morning stars together proclaim the holy birth and praises sing to God the king and peace to men on earth.”
Most of us will sing this hymn tonight as we celebrate the birth of the Christ child. Baruch’s prophecy brings news of joy, gladness, and celebration as the Israelites await their liberation, “For God will lead Israel with joy, in the light of his glory, with the mercy and righteousness that come from him.” The Israelite’s hope and salvation are in the east.
“O holy child of Bethlehem descend to us we pray
cast down our sins and enter in be born in us today
we hear the Christmas angels the great glad tidings tell
o come to us abide in us our Lord, Emmanuel.”
Christ is the light of the world. He came to us through the eastern light described by Baruch. In that everlasting light we have everlasting life. Our hope and joy and gladness and peace and love come to us from the Father’s love. Let us rejoice as we say “alleluia!” tonight and all throughout this season knowing we will never be overtaken by the darkness because the Light of the life abides in us. Amen!