First Sunday after Christmas; 26 December 2021; Christmas 1C (RCL); Isaiah 61:10 – 62:3; Psalm 147:13-21; Galatians 3:23-25, 4:4-7; John 1:1-18.
The passage from Isaiah speaks of the vindication of God’s servant, and the institution of a new covenant with the servant’s followers (61:8-9 speak of that covenant). This new people is now clothed with salvation and righteousness, that is, they are invested with the covenant. Note that in the restoration of Jerusalem in this passage, no mention is made of the Temple. It is the people clothed with righteousness who shine out to the nations. And the people of this new covenant (of forgiveness and restoration after the period of punishment) will be a crown of beauty in the hand of God.
Continue reading “Delight”