Hebrews
1:1-4 The
Reflection of God’s Glory
Long
ago God spoke to our ancestors in many and various ways by the prophets, but in
these last days he has spoken to us by a Son, whom he appointed heir of all
things, through whom he also created the worlds. He is the reflection of God’s
glory and the exact imprint of God’s very being, and he sustains all things by
his powerful word. When he had made purification for sins, he sat down at the
right hand of the Majesty on high, having become as much superior to angels as
the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.
****
God is doing a new thing. Since time
out of memory, Yahweh has spoken to creation through prophets. Finally,
ultimately, once and for all, God sends a son, in the flesh. One who was with
God in the very act of creation now dwells among us, walks and eats and sleeps
and teaches us about the Way that we are to follow. God, in the person of
Jesus, touches us. And we, all creation, are transformed. We live in troubling
times. But, as Kathleen Norris writes, “… even in terrible circumstances and
calamities, in matters of life and death, if I sense that I am in the shadow of
God, I find light, so much light that my vision improves dramatically. I know
that holiness is near.” God has spoken to us by a son. Glory shines all around
us. Holiness is near.
Prayer:
Holy One, source
of all being, as the shadows lengthen, we look for light. We give thanks that
we have been touched by the presence of one whose glory shines so brightly,
whose word sustains us no matter what challenges confront us. Help us to listen
for you, and to walk in your ways, in Advent, and every day. Amen.
David Parsons serves as pastor at St.
John-St. Matthew-Emanuel Lutheran Church in Brooklyn’s Park Slope neighborhood.
A native of Michigan, he has lived in New York City since 1979. Following a
career in opera and musical theater, he was sponsored as a candidate for
ordination by Our Saviour’s Atonement Lutheran Church in Washington Heights.
Rev. Parsons received his Master of Divinity degree from Union Theological
Seminary in the Citi of New York in 2001, and has served at “St. JME” since
that time.
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