Psalm 89:1-29; 45, 46; Isa. 59:15b-21; Matt. 1:18-25
The end of chapter 59 of Isaiah gives us this striking message: “The Lord saw it, and it displeased him that there was no justice. he saw that there was no one, and was appalled that there was no one to intervene; so his own arm brought victory, and his righteousness upheld him” (Is. 59:15b-16). God sees no righteousness among the people and decides to intervene himself.
This indeed is the heart of the mystery of the Incarnation. Where human beings have been unable to create justice and righteousness and mercy by their own power, God has graciously intervened to provide it for us. And this gift is made known to us in the birth of Jesus in a time and place where there was little justice and where righteousness and mercy were often hard-won qualities.
What God provides for us in the Incarnation of his Son is the promise of blessing: “My words that I have put in your mouth shall not depart out of your mouth, or out of the mouths of your children, or out of the mouths of your children’s children, from now on and forever” (Is.59:21). Let us give thanks for the promise of God in Christ Jesus that is ever sure and shall never be forgotten by God’s children.
O God, we praise you for the birth of your Son, Jesus Christ, who is our justice and peace. Amen.
The Rev. Dan Joslyn-Siemiatkoski, PhD
Duncalf-Villavaso Professor of Church History
SEMINARY OF THE SOUTHWEST
Listen to the Dan read his meditation and prayer:
The Rev. Joslyn-Siemiatkoski joined the seminary faculty in 2014 following his tenure since 2005 on the faculty at Church Divinity School of the Pacific in Berkeley, California. Dan’s areas of interest include Anglican and Episcopal history, Jewish-Christian relations ancient and modern, Anglican ecclesiology, and contemporary interfaith dialogue. He is the author of Christian Memories of the Maccabean Martyrs and is currently working on A Christian Commentary of Mishnah Avot. He has published in journals such as Anglican Theological Review and Anglican and Episcopal History.He teaches History of Christianity I and II, The Episcopal Church: Past and Present, English Reformations, and other electives in his areas of expertise. Professor Joslyn-Siemiatkoski was ordained in June, 2017, in the Diocese of California. Dan and his wife Jennifer have two children.
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