Service and Christmas Lights
Chapter 3 of Hebrews offers the contrast and/or comparison of/or between Jesus and Moses (vs. 1-6), before turning to the “warning against unbelief” (vs. 7-19). This order of presentation in chapter 3 is interesting as the author teases the value of faithful human service (Moses) in comparison to the value of God’s service in his Son’s Incarnation as the Christ. Christmas offers a unique time to contemplate this compassionate comparison—the lights we hang are just decorations apart from the glory they represent—the work of God that began in his creative act made sense in the service Christ offered in his birth, life, and death at the Cross.
Moses was faithful in service by appointment; Jesus was faithful in service because he is God;
Hebrews 3:1–2 (CSB)
1 Therefore, holy brothers and sisters, who share in a heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession. 2 He was faithful to the one who appointed him, just as Moses was in all God’s household.
The author of Hebrews is careful to emphasize the value of human service to the Kingdom. While the service God offered in the birth of his Son as a man is “superior” (Heb. 1:5-12) the contrast does not lesson what Moses did, it lifts it and exemplifies it as valuable to the Kingdom and its message of hope. The lights in this season are hung in service to God in proclaiming the Good News of great joy, that a Savior is born!
Don’t forget to read your Bible (Principle 7) in this busy season (I just finished a book on the transformative character of Christian Scripture and cannot wait to share it with you). If you need a seasonal reading plan, please contact the office and come see us as we celebrate Christmas with our Lessons and Carols/Mexican potluck meeting on December 16.