December 28, 2005

I. Readings
Psalms 2, 110, 111
Isaiah 49:13-23
Isaiah 54:1-13
Matthew 18:1-14

II. Selections
Psalm 2:2-3
The kings of the earth set themselves,
and the rulers take counsel together,
against the LORD and his anointed, saying,
"Let us burst their bonds asunder,
and cast their cords from us."

Isaiah 49:13
Sing for joy, O heavens, and exult, O earth;
break forth, O mountains, into singing!
For the LORD has comforted his people,
and will have compassion on his suffering ones.

Isaiah 54:5
For your Maker is your husband,
the LORD of hosts is his name;
the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer,
the God of the whole earth he is called.

Matthew 18:1
At that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, "Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?"

III. Meditation: Break forth, O mountains, into singing
The rulers of the earth rebel against your kingdom;
they think to cast your cords from them.
Not only the rulers;
We all plot to overthrow,
Concerned about who is greatest.

Your governance is different.
You leave no doubt about who is in charge-
the God of the whole earth and our Maker,
the Lord of Hosts, the Holy One of Israel,
and our Redeemer.

That last word is a surprise, "Redeemer."
You are like a loving husband to us,
you comfort like a mother,
you have compassion
in our suffering.

Sing for joy, O heavens,
and exult, O earth;
break forth,
O mountains,
into singing!