It struck me during an amazing performance of Handel’s Messiah last night.  It covers the range of the prophets’ promises, the birth, the death, and life-everlasting.  It’s all beautiful!

Still:  the incarnation itself is THE good news.

(Birth site, The Church of the Nativity, Bethlehem; March 2014)

We don’t need to wait for the death and resurrection to be impressed. The news of the Holy One desiring to become one of us — to take on our flesh and see what it’s like to be a human being.  From all the strain and struggle — all our best intentions and ever-present limitations.  All the glorious triumphs and incredible pleasures we experience in our bodies, minds, and spirits.  What kind of Divine Being would want to be like us?

(The Manger of Bethlehem, Church of the Nativity; March 2014)

Praises be to that kind of Holy One who would want to be among us as one of us!!!   No need to wait for Easter.  THIS is great love.  This is gift beyond measure!!!

Hallelujah!

– RevJule

          “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people:  to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord.  This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.”   And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying,  “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!” (Luke 2:10b-14)