Jesus Christ

Like the Wind

donaldlindsey Haiku , , , , , , ,

Nicodemus helping to take down Jesus’ body from the cross (Pietà, by Michelangelo).

Nicodemus Is Blown Away

Nicodemus, a Pharisee, a member of the Sanhedrin, a learned teacher of the law, and a ruler of the Jews, has a divine appointment. Under the cover of darkness, he visits Jesus to ask a crucial question, which he asks in the form of a statement: “Rabbi, we know that you are a teacher come from God, for no one can do these signs that you do unless God is with him.” Jesus’ answer turns him inside-out: “Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.”

Nicodemus cannot comprehend “Born again.” Dr. John Hayden explains in Word From the Word: Jesus uses a word with a double meaning. When He says, “You must be born again” He was actually saying, “You must be born from above.”

But “born again” and “born from above” mean the same thing. It is a moot point. I understand Nicodemus’ confusion. Double-entendres are confusing.

This divine dialogue continues throughout John 3:2-14, and at precisely the right moment, Jesus compares the Holy Spirit to the wind.

It is a mind blowing read. And just think, If the Holy Spirit quickens Nicodemus’ spirit (or yours, or anybody’s), wouldn’t you be blown away? I was when it happened to me.

Nicodemus appears two more times in the New Testament: after the Crucifixion he provides embalming spices for Jesus’ body, and a little while later he helps Joseph of Arimathea prepare Jesus’s body for the burial tomb.

I leave you with Like the Wind, a mind-numbing haiku about regeneration of the soul, and if you’re not quickened by the Spirit, I hope it happens for you one day.

-dbl

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2nd Day of Christmas: Feast of St. Stephen Haiku

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The story of the stoning of Stephen may be found in Acts 6 & 7.  He was among the first deacons ordained by the 12 Apostles. He was a man after God’s own heart, an evangelist, an erudite theological historian (an influential speaker), a man of great courage, and he was martyred for speaking the truth. In the Catholic, Lutheran, and Anglican traditions, he is celebrated in the Feast of St. Stephen on the second day of Christmastide.

I am impressed by Stephen’s knowledge of biblical history, his final great sermon, and the courage he displayed before the false accusers who stoned him to death. See the link above for the whole story.

I have penned a haiku which commemorates Stephen’s life. May all glory go to God.

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The Evening News: An Advent Sonnet

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Ever wonder about “Christi Aduentu” (Advent of Christ) and its significance for Christians? The Latin term adventus is a translation from the Greek form parousia, which refers to the Second Coming of Christ. In the Western Christian tradition, observations of Advent encompass three primary forms: 1) to celebrate the birth and Nativity of Jesus at Christmas; 2) to celebrate Christ in one’s heart in daily devotion and prayer; and 3) to acknowledge Christ’s coming in glory at the end of the age.  Advent ceremonies in churches encourage a season of corporate worship and shared expectations, sometimes acknowledging a corporate desire for readiness at the Second Coming of Christ.

The Advent season typically includes a wreath of candles, one of which is lit to celebrate the opening of the season, in conjunction with the reading of Scripture, devotional time, and prayers. Another candle is lit on each subsequent Sunday. Some wreaths include a fifth candle representing Jesus, which is lit on Christmas Eve or Christmas Day.

In the Book of Revelation, sometimes referred to as “apocalyptic, prophetic,” or “epistolary literature,” the Apostle John composed a broad range of prophetic visions written in figurative language, which begins by addressing the Seven Churches of Asia, and the book reaches a crescendo (of sorts) in the Second Coming of Christ.

Revelation is a mysterious book, and especially the enigmatic passage in which Jesus appears on a white horse. This passage mentions several names of the Savior, and it is enveloped in figurative (sometimes cryptic) language. It appears to represent the Second Coming of Jesus:

Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself. He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God. And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written:

KING OF KINGS AND
LORD OF LORDS (Revelation 19:11-16, NKJV).

I’ll attempt to unpack this passage with my own verse in “The Evening News,” which is very good news.

 

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Third Week of Advent—Rejoice!

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“Gaudete in Domino semper: iterum dico gaudete”–from the Latin Vulgate: ” Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice: Philippians 4:4.

Guadete

Earth’s darkness implodes

Light bursts forth; God becomes man

Guadete! Rejoice!

Follow the Lyrics:

Latin English
Gaudete, gaudete! Christus est natus
Ex Maria virgine, gaudete!		 Rejoice, rejoice! Christ is born
Of the Virgin Mary — rejoice!
Tempus adest gratiæ
Hoc quod optabamus,
Carmina lætitiæ
Devote reddamus.		 The time of grace has come—
This that we have desired,
Verses of joy
Let us devoutly return.
Deus homo factus est
Natura mirante,
Mundus renovatus est
A Christo regnante.		 God has become man,
To the wonderment of Nature,
The world has been renewed
By the reigning Christ.
Ezechielis porta
Clausa pertransitur,
Unde lux est orta
Salus invenitur.		 The closed gate of Ezechiel
Is passed through,
Whence the light is born,
Salvation is found.
Ergo nostra contio
Psallat iam in lustro;
Benedicat Domino:
Salus Regi nostro.		 Therefore let our gathering
Now sing in brightness
Let it give praise to the Lord:
Greeting to our King.