The Lord has anointed me to bring good tidings to the afflicted; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and the opening of the prison to thosewho are bound.
– Isaiah 61:1b

After going out on his own and becoming quite the sensation, Jesus comes home. When he walks into the synagogue everyone wants to hear from the young man who has "made it big."

This scripture from the prophet Isaiah is what he reads. He reads it and boldly says that this scripture has been fulfilled. The home folks think that's a might presumptuous to be saying he's the fulfillment of the great prophecy. They think this boy has gotten a little too big for his britches.

For Jesus, this is it. This is the truth. This is who he is. This describes his mission. He has taken these words to heart.

Let us take his words to heart. As followers of the Long Awaited One, we come to worship this baby child by bringing the good news to those who are afflicted. We come to bring hope where there has been despair. We come to bind up the brokenhearted. Have you seen any brokenhearted people today? Have you seen anyone who needs to be set free from their prison of grief, addiction, loneliness, lostness?

Here is how we welcome this child by making our lives his birthday present. We celebrate his coming by doing his work. We celebrate the power of one small child who grows into the Savior of the world. This is our purpose to live out our mission of bringing the good tidings, binding up the wounds of those who hurt and helping all who feel oppressed. Through our wonderful church we have many opportunities to worship and serve the King of Kings, the Lord of Lords. Won't you come and kneel by the cradle of Christ that rests in the shadow of the cross? Won't you come to give yourself to the one who has given all for us?

Shalom,

Cindy