From the Manger to the Grave—Let it Begin
Theology in the Trenches By Kathleen Kjolhaug He, the Christ child was born, and we celebrate this on Christmas Day. However, the day after this is celebrated within the liturgical calendar year of the church, things shift.
December 26, is the day some remember the first martyr documented in church history as spoken of in His Word. The martyrdom of Stephen foreshadows what was to come within the spiritual life of believers. Without sounding like Debbie Downer, whoever that is, as soon as we are born, we begin to die. The transformation process slowly but surely recreates within us a more perfect union with our Lord, Jesus Christ.
Not only was Jesus born, but we know well the rest of the story. He would eventually die, would be buried, and He would rise again. The cycle of transformation begins anew and on full within each of us. Drawing us closer to being made in the image of Jesus, believers experience much the same until death do us part—and on it goes—now and ever shall be.
We easily pray, “Come Lord Jesus” as we often have had enough of this world as it is. And as He cradles Himself within us, a daily renewal springs forth as the old is set aside, the Comforter has come to conform and if we are not bending as the winds blow, as the Holy Spirit beckons, we will break.
Stop and do a double take. Look back as you move forward into the new year and taste and see the goodness of the Creator of Heaven and Earth.
And the creed gives us credentials to go, therefore, and live the Gospel anew with what the Almighty did do, is doing, and will do. In full view He is holding even in the midst of obscurity. Wisdom gives perspective. Wisdom tells a story of truth found in the Holy One, the only One our Lord, Jesus Christ heralding himself with the announcement from on high that Jesus Christ was born.
In the manger He paused before moving on as Mary and Joseph rose to the occasion and went well beyond the stable. In obedience they left the season for a reason, just as we go, therefore, and live the Gospel. We, too, must move in rhythm. From the cradle to the grave, within we are in sync as the liturgical cycle guides—lest we forget.
This week, after the final week of Advent, we move to the actual Christmas season. As it does, may we kneel before the Lord our God our Maker of Heaven and Earth.
As we move forward not only towards the life of Christ crucified but the life He is resurrecting within each of us. “May we be transformed by the renewing of our minds” (Rom. 12:2). And while we are being transformed, may the Light from the Manger be not only our guide but our protector. May our fiat be as Mary’s was: “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; may it be done unto me according to Thy Word” (Luke 1:38). May this be our prayer in what is to come. Amen.
