The promise of salvation

Thought for the parish pew slip, prepared (in error!) for Sunday 28th December.
Christmas 1, Year B

Readings: Isaiah 61: 10 – 62: 3 Galatians 4: 4-7 Luke 2: 15-21

In our reading from Isaiah, the prophet has a message of consolation and joy for the beleaguered Jews, who are returning to the ruined city of Jerusalem following 70 years of captivity in Babylon. The prophet foresees the rebuilding of Jerusalem. He rejoices and gives thanks because the Lord will cause righteousness and praise to spring up like seeds planted in a garden. Jerusalem will experience salvation and vindication and is destined to be a crown of beauty in the hand of the Lord.
God’s promise of salvation also features in our gospel reading. The shepherds were told by an angel that the child born in Bethlehem is a saviour who is Christ the Lord. When they tell this to Joseph and Mary, Mary treasures these words and ponders them in her heart. They must have confirmed for her what the angle Gabriel had already told her (Luke 1: 32-33).
Paul, writing to the Galatians, explains more of what salvation in Christ means. It means having the spirit of Jesus in our hearts, calling out to God the Father, and ensuring that we will be co-heirs with Christ of the glory he receives from God. – Fr Gerard