Description
Imagining the Lectionary: They did not want him (Christmas 2A)
Reflection accompanying images:
"old lock without handle on iron gate" and "old locked gate in side of building"
The Life-Light was the real thing: Every person entering Life he brings into Light. He was in the world, the world was there through him, and yet the world didn't even notice. He came to his own people, but they didn't want him. But whoever did want him, who believed he was who he claimed and would do what he said, He made to be their true selves, their child-of-God selves. (John 1:9-12)
The wrought ironwork of this entrance is a relic of Victorian times. Typically ornate and over-engineered, it guards the entrance to the dark passageway beyond. The lock resembles that on a prison cell. Now without its handle it would once have been partnered by a substantial key. The original message is easily discerned: keep out.
And how apt it is that this iron gate and screen were put in place at about the same time that Victorian society was parting company with God, religion and the church...
Continues...