05/12/07

It all started one night in a manger

Genesis 3:4, 5 -- "You will not surely die," the serpent said to the woman. "For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God ..."


Our ancestors were as foolish as we. They lusted for independence from God - and that choice was based on a lie. Separation from God brings death, not independence. They made a fatal decision. Serving self interests brought humanity's downfall, but self giving grace was God's response.

The Advent brought to humans, God's great reversal. We originate, empower and possess nothing - yet our race foolishly grabbed for independence and found death. God who is truly independent, the origin of all things, the unlimited power that created the universe, and the rightful owner of all things did just the opposite. The scripture in Philippians 2 says He "emptied himself," and Paul writes, "He became poor that we might become rich." It all started one night in a manger.


[ Prayer for the Day ]

Father, in that manger you brought Joy to the World, reversing the human tragedy that began in the infancy of our race. Thank you for your steadfast love and your downward reach. Amen.


[ Reference Scriptures ]

Philippians 2:5-8 [RSV]
⁵ Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus,
⁶ who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped,
⁷ but emptied himself, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men.
⁸ And being found in human form he humbled himself and became obedient unto death, even death on a cross.

2 Corinthians 8:9 [RSV]
⁹ For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich.

The Word of God was given free to us, therefore we should also share it freely with others. (All rights are with God)