“And the Word became flesh and lived among us...” (John 1:14) So also the mission of God became flesh and lived among us in Jesus of Nazareth, the Child of Bethlehem. The mission that God spoke of in the act of creation, the mission that the longing of God pursued through the callings and alienations and reconciliations of Israel’s saga in the Old Testament—all this vision and struggle took flesh in the life, ministry, crucifixion, death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus Christ. God’s act of becoming incarnate, [of humbling Himself to share in our humanity and even allowing us to share in His divinity] must be central in any understanding of Christian Mission, writes Titus Pressler, missionary, priest, seminary dean and theology professor. This is especially true for Anglicans because we take the incarnation as our starting point. Without God’s willingness to take on every aspect of humanity save sin, all we do as Christians, in fact our very identity as Christians would be meaningless
Empowered by the Holy Spirit in his baptism, Jesus exploded into ministry proclaiming that “the time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near” (Mark 1:15). Over and over again Jesus proclaimed that God was up to something... something radical and new...a new way of being in relationship to God and to others. Jesus preached that those who claimed the mantel that Christ offered were being called to discern what God was doing and join in God’s mission.
What is that mission? Simply put, like Jesus, we too were empowered by the Holy Spirit at our baptism to “...proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God...” (Luke 4:43). No time in the history of humanity is there a greater need to fulfill the work of the One who sends us out. No time in the history of humanity is there a greater need to live into the commandment to love God, love neighbor and love others as Jesus loved us. How best can you and I fulfill this work...this mission?
First, believe Jesus, not in Jesus and not as some lofty intellectual pursuit but as someone who longs to break into the gritty parts of our daily living and into the tender regions of our heart and soul. Then share the good news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ in word and deed. Perform some random act of kindness for a total stranger. Love the unlovable, forgive the unforgivable, and receive those who are outcast. These are but basic ways to live into our baptismal covenant...to fulfill God’s mission.
Invite a friend, family member or colleague to worship with you at St James’s Cathedral…virtually now and then in person when we are back together. There are those who suggest that going to church is not necessary in today’s world. Not so! In today’s technologically centered culture, where routine contact with the outside world is with a smart phone and through social media, the need for direct human contact and relationship has never been more important. Gathering together, in worship, is a tangible reminder that we are the Body of Christ…we are God’s eyes…God’s hands and feet in this broken world…we are church!
Lastly, if you are up for a greater challenge, join with me, and others, at St. James’s who are working mightily to bring about the radically welcoming and joyous Spirit that flourishes robustly at this time of year into the midst of this faith filled community everyday of the year.
It is my prayer that this Christmas Tide each of us will whole-heartedly embrace God’s call to join God’s mission in the world. Let us proclaim God’s good news, let us spread the Gospel, let us plant seeds and grow disciples!
Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year!
Dean Sam+