Meeting the Risen Christ
When Jesus appeared to the disciples after his resurrection, he convinced them that he was not a ghost, that it was really him, that he had returned as he said he would "in three days." According to Luke 24.39, he said, "See by my hands and my feet that it is I myself. Touch me and see for yourselves."
If, as we discussed yesterday, God sees Christ in us and therefore we see Christ in each other...what scars do we have which show we have encountered the Living Christ?
The gospels are full of stories and instructions about all that we must give up or take on in order to follow Jesus. And many of those tasks and denials hurt and leave scars....But perhaps it is those scars that allow us to recognize each other...In our brokenness and in our loss we make room for the Light of Christ to shine through...and like a flash light for God, that Light shows us others who have been hurt and lost and that is what makes up the Body of Christ. Where are your scars? What have you lost?
I'm reminded of this hymn...not an Advent hymn, but certainly a reminder of what we have been given..."my richest gain I count but loss..."
When I survey the wondrous cross On which the Prince of glory died, My richest gain I count but loss, And pour contempt on all my pride.
Forbid it, Lord, that I should boast, Save in the death of Christ my God! All the vain things that charm me most, I sacrifice them to His blood.
See from His head, His hands, His feet, Sorrow and love flow mingled down! Did e’er such love and sorrow meet, Or thorns compose so rich a crown?
Were the whole realm of nature mine, That were a present far too small; Love so amazing, so divine, Demands my soul, my life, my all.