Barach 5:1-9, Philippians 1:4-11, Luke 3:1-6
In Judaism the number 7 suggests perfection; however, the word perfection is often used to refer to completion.The number six, therefore becomes mega powerful because it suggests the potential of perfection or completion. Whether we are talking about humans, humanity or a natural process, it, they or something are or is still becoming, still achieving, still striving. It is the action and energy of reaching towards the completion that brings peace and joy, not its obtainment.
This is why the detail that there are six jugs of water that are turned into wine at the Wedding Feast in Cana is so important. The Wedding Feast miracle suggests that only the Lord can fulfill the promise of completion, but humanity and humans contribute towards the completion by the every act of reaching and striving.
These first two readings remind us of these ideas. Christmas is a mini-completion, if you will, and so brings a sense of fulfillment. However, it is our involvement and observation of the Lord making crooked paths straight, pulling together individuals into a one-hearted community, and bestowing blessings on others for a greater good, that brings joy and delight. The Kingdom is not complete and we have a part.
Journal Questions:
Making two columns, brainstorm all the situations or elements in your life that are ‘becoming’ and another list of all that has been completed.
Pick a three items on each list to write about; include thoughts and feelings.
After some time, reread all that you wrote this week. Reflect in a journal or in dialogue what you discovered when you compare the two different sorts of situations; those of becoming against those that have been fulfilled.
Writing to Pray 