We are celebrating the second Sunday after Christmas, the first Sunday after New Year. Traditionally this is the time when we await Epiphany, the Feast of the Three Wise Men and the consecration of Jesus in the temple. Epiphany is a word that refers to a special spiritual revelation and is used in connection with the revelation of Christ as the Son of God, as was experienced by the Magi, who came from the East, following the star. We come with this same reverence awaiting a special revelation. We want to behold Jesus and experience this year’s journey with him.
The watchword for this week is taken from the Gospel of John, Chapter One verse Fourteen, “We have beheld his glory, glory as of the only Son of the Father, full of grace and truth.” The Gospel of John was written so that those who read the Gospel, would believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. John sets out to show his readers how the Saviour of the World was revealed to the people, so that they could experience this Epiphany in their own hearts, souls and intellect. Christ is revealed as the living Word, the Logos of God, who was present from the being of the ages to the end of all time, as it was in the creation story of Genesis. He is revealed as one who has compassion with the pain of humanity. He is filled with mercy while he reveals the promise of salvation to the world that he came to save.
In our doctrinal text we read of Jesus’ ministry and his miracles, his word that can create and speak healing. We read in the Gospel of John in Chapter Five verses seven to eight, “The sick man answered Jesus, “Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool (of Bethesda) when the water is stirred; but while I am coming, another steps down before me.” Jesus said to him, “Rise, take up your bed and walk.” Here is a sick man, who has waited patiently at the healing pool for thirty-eight years, waiting to be able to reach the water and be healed of his sickness. He explains to Jesus his situation. Jesus doesn’t help him to enter the water but speaks his healing word to this man. After all this waiting the man enters new life, walking in this world. God is revealed to him, and God’s healing power is displayed through this man. As Jesus speaks to him, he rises and walks.
The watch word for today is taken from the Book of Psalms, Psalm Forty Verse One: “I waited patiently for the Lord; he inclined to me and heard my cry.” When we call on God, he reveals himself, his saving power and work of his Son to us. Just as this man at the pool of Bethesda waited patiently and finally saw the revelation of God in his life, so it is with the Psalmist. God heard and answered the cries of the one who called on him at precisely the right time. Let us be patient and seek the revelation of the Lord’s Word and Work in our lives, for he rewards those who wait patiently with his presence.
Father God, we thank you that you have revealed your Son to us during this Advent, Christmas and New Year. We ask that you help us to wait patiently until we behold your glory, Amen.