Advent Day 16 - Near and far, two edged sword.

Ephesians 2:17-22

          I recall seeing a Christmas card many years ago, it may have been from the United Nations, it had many pictures of Christmas as it's expressed throughout the world. It seems fitting for this passage. Jesus proclaimed peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near.  Jesus  may have been brought up as a good Jewish boy but as the son of God, he could not contain his compassion and love for anyone. And so, we have scripture passage replete with Jesus befriending outcasts, the marginalized and those who would be considered condemned. Tax collectors, prostitutes, Roman soldiers, Pharisees, Samaritans and sinners. All loved, befriended and/or cured by Jesus. He was a lover of all mankind, near and far.

         It seems that might be a fundamental message that Jesus delivered to us. How can we translate this message of openness and inclusiveness in our time? Is not everyone included? Do we dare say everyone is welcome except x, y or z? I don't think that is what Jesus had in mind. I don't believe that is what Jesus lived. I also don't think it is what the Spirit shows us.

          This is a two edged sword though. We can give praise and thanks that we are welcomed into Jesus' all embracing arms no matter who we are and no matter what any human may say to the contrary. It is a truly great feeling to know that you are loved especially when others say you are not. I put my trust in God. I say thank you to God. The other edge of that sword though is knowing that everyone else is loved as well. The inclusiveness and respect we wish for ourselves should apply to everyone, even those we ourselves may not be comfortable with. 

              

So he came and proclaimed peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near; for through him both of us have access in one Spirit to the Father. So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are citizens with the saints and also members of the household of God, built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus himself as the cornerstone. In him the whole structure is joined together and grows into a holy temple in the Lord; in whom you also are built together spiritually into a dwelling-place for God.