Competition, not cooperation. Hierarchy and control, instead of equality and mutuality - a far cry from the holy function of the image of God in both women and men. The great overarching salvation narrative of the scriptures details God’s loving determination to restore the function of His image in human beings.
Recently I had a phone call from a distressed woman who is in a psychiatric ward. She was desperate. Very frightened, and very, very alone. She was sobbing her heart out. Her family (her own adult kids) had put her there, because she is too much of a responsibility for them when she is out of care. She does have…
The word used for “remembrance” here by Luke, is anamnēsis [ἀνάμνησις] which is a bit more than remembering a past event like a birthday. Anamnēsis means to bring to mind and recollect and enter into the power of the historical event which has eternal force and, at the same time, experience its enduring power.
He finished his coffee, and then Mr Pashalis walked down his driveway and came to where I was sitting. He gazed at me silently. I gazed back with an awkward smile and extended my hand in greeting. He did the same. And he held my hand in a warm and firm handshake. As he looked at me I saw his eyes brimming with tears.
Our freedom of speech and freedom of religious expression – basic human rights, which are NOT explicitly enshrined in the Australian Constitution, by the way – are being systematically and systemically eroded by government. This is not conspiracy theory paranoia – it is happening democratic systems.
Enjoy this Christmas season and the beautiful worship that is so special as we celebrate the Word become flesh. And remember, as we do so, to pray for our Jewish brothers and sisters – and thank God for that first Hanukkah all those centuries ago. Without it, we wouldn’t have Christmas. Without the Jews, we wouldn’t have Jesus.
