Christmas Eve Advent 4: Sunday
For a while I thought I might have today off, but no, I have to work from 9-5 today. But that is not all that bad, I still will be able to attend the Service of Lessons and Carols at 7:30 tonight, and the Midnight Candlelight Mass as well. I do get tomorrow off :-)
Read:
Psalm 80:1-7Give ear, O Shepherd of Israel, You who lead Joseph like a flock; You who
dwell between the cherubim, shine forth! (Psalm 80:1)
“You who dwell between the cherubim.” That's an image of holiness and
power. It was cherubim who stood with flaming swords and blocked the
entrance to Eden after the fall into sin (Gen 3:24). And when God commanded
that the Ark of the Covenant be built, He specified that its cover—the mercy
seat—have two golden cherubim. From above them, God would speak as He
lived in the Holy of Holies of the tabernacle, later the temple. Do not forget the
sacredness of that room, for it was where God dwelt on earth for His people:
only the High Priest could enter, and then only once a year after sacrifices had
been made.
So to speak of the Lord as the One who dwells between the cherubim is to
remember His holiness, His glory and His power. This is not a safe place for
sinners. Think of Isaiah, who had a vision of the temple in which he saw the
Lord on His throne as seraphim surrounded him and sang their Sanctus (Isaiah
6). The prophet threw himself face down and declared he was undone—
finished!—because he was a man of unclean lips who had seen God in His
glory.
This could be a terrible paradox for man: he needs the power of the One who
dwells between the cherubim for deliverance, but that very power and holiness
is his undoing.
But rejoice! God has heard the prayer and He has shone forth—not with
glory that is visible to the eyes, but certainly evident to faith.
If you wish to see the One who dwells between the cherubim, look into the
manger in Bethlehem. There you will find the Shepherd of Israel, swaddled up
tight and unable to move. The Lord has cloaked His glory in human flesh to be
your Savior. If you wish to see the One who dwells between the cherubim, look
at His cross as He hangs between thieves. That's where He defeats sin and death
for you. If you wish to see the One who dwells between the cherubim, make
haste to hear His Word and partake of His Supper, because He is present there to
give you grace, to make you holy and righteous.
As Advent nears its end and the Christmas celebration comes near, marvel
and rejoice. It is certainly true that you have needed the One who dwells
between the cherubim to save you by His work—and He has submitted Himself
to manger and cross to do exactly that!
Thou Christian heart, Whoe'er thou art,
Be of good cheer and let no sorrow move thee!
For God's own child, In mercy mild,
Joins thee to Him; how greatly God must love thee! (TLH 81:4)