Daily Reading: 22 December

(from www.christianaid.org.uk)

Beautiful Saviour

Something to read

Your eyes will see the king in his beauty; they will behold a land that stretches far away.

- Isaiah 33:17.

Something to think about

Over the last year, the UK has been led by three Prime Ministers and two monarchs, with a high turnover of Cabinet ministers too. It’s a good time to reflect on what we value most in leaders: perhaps honesty and integrity, perhaps charisma and confidence, perhaps the detail of their policy and strategy. However we answer that question, I expect very few of us would prioritise what they look like!

Isaiah looked forward to a time when God’s people would see the beauty of their king. As we look forward to Christmas, a time when we are invited to discover God in a newborn baby, we might imagine the wonder of his soft skin and dark eyes gazing back at us.

But the truest beauty of all is to be found not in the appearance but in the character and actions of Jesus, which show us once and for all what God is like. We see his life of service and sacrifice, of healing and compassion. The king in all his beauty is the king whose courageous love would eventually lead him to the ugliness of the cross.

Something to do

Find a favourite story from the gospels – an episode from Jesus’ life that you are drawn to. As you read it, ask yourself what kind of character Jesus shows and what beauty you find in his actions.

Something to pray

Beautiful Saviour, thank you for this time of year in which we look more closely into your face. As I gaze upon you this Christmas time, draw me beyond sentimentality to see and celebrate who you truly are. Amen.

Today’s contributor is Rev Claire Jones