O Holy Night

Jesus was a Jew. All indications are that he was a practicing Jew. Indeed, I doubt that his first-century culture would have comprehended the term “non-practicing”. If, therefore, Jesus’ moral bearing was in the context of practical Judaism, it seems reasonable to think that he observed the high holy days of Rosh Hashanah which culminate in the holiest of days, Yom Kippur. I am deeply indebted to the explanation of the Day of Atonement as at-one-ment. Following the line of reasoning developed thus far, if morality is defined by the degree of communion which exists between the creature and its Creator then a day to confess and be rid of all those things which stand in the way of the relationship is quintessentially moral. By the same token, amorality and immorality must then be determined by the degree to which the at-one-ment with the Creator is defiled and broken. That sin is considered immoral, then, makes sense of one definition for sin being “without knowledge”. Without a reverent awareness of the sacred and holy nature of the relationship with one’s Creator, the subsequent ignorance for all practical purposes becomes sinful. Many believe in Jesus as the Christ because of the miracles he purportedly performed, or because he supernaturally arose from the grave. My money, however, is again on the example of one who, even though he observed the holy day of Yom Kippur, continuously experienced his at-one-ment with Abba. Anyone truly interested in pursuing the moral high road exemplified by Jesus of Nazareth can surely begin by genuinely observing this most sacred occasion that begins at sundown tomorrow. I look forward to joining you in the Spirit.