ニューイングランドの母校から、今年もアドベントの日々メッセージ その20DECEMBER 21, 2018DECEMBER 21, 2018The Coming of the True LightMalachi 4:1-6

ニューイングランドの母校から、今年もアドベントの日々メッセージ　その20
DECEMBER 21, 2018
The Coming of the True Light
Malachi 4:1-6

“But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings” (ESV).

Today marks the winter solstice, the shortest day and longest night of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. In pre-Christian, agrarian societies, this day was celebrated as the rebirth of light.

Since the summer solstice in June, the sun has been dying as the days have become shorter and colder. But as of today, the sun—and thus the earth—is reborn. Amid the bleakness of winter, hope is restored with assurance that the warmth, light and renewal of spring and summer will follow.

What more fitting season to celebrate the birth of the true Light of the World, the king whose reign is characterized by righteousness, justice and peace! Are we not indeed encouraged in this by the words of Charles Wesley’s beloved Christmas hymn?

Hail the heaven born Prince of Peace!
Hail the Sun of Righteousness!
Light and life to all he brings,
Risen with healing in his wings.

Our text, as does Wesley’s hymn in its fullness, reminds us that the promise of the Messiah—these last words of revelation centuries before his coming—links messianic hope not just to the birth, but to the atonement, victory and final judgment of God as well. John the Baptist, whom Jesus later identified as the prophet Elijah mentioned by Malachi, introduced Jesus, not as king, but as “the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world” (John 1:29, ESV).

While we do celebrate the birth of our Messiah and King in this season, our Advent preparation should be guided by the insights of Mary and Simeon, who saw his birth as the inauguration of God’s redemption, keeping the cross, empty tomb and Second Advent also fully in view.

Edward M. Keazirian, Th.D.
Assistant Professor of New Testament; Director of the Greek Language Program at Hamilton