Where Is the Lamb?

In Genesis 22:1-14 we find the account of Abraham and Isaac. God graciously provided a ram in place of Isaac but it was not “the Lamb.”  Later, hundreds of lambs were sacrificed on the night of the Passover to celebrate God’s people being delivered from slavery in Egypt. Isaiah prophesied that the people’s true salvation would come through a lamb who would pour out his life and bear the sin of many (Isaiah 53). God’s people continued to wait, and 700 years after Isaiah, while John the Baptist was baptizing people in the Jordon River, he pointed to Jesus and cried out, “Look the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.”

The birth of Christ takes place in the House of David, a Galilean town called Nazareth. As we approach a most unusual Christmas marked by a pandemic, we can rediscover the discipleship that Mary teaches us, in saying yes to God – “let it be to me according to your word.” (Luke 1:26-38) She gives us a pattern for our own journey toward faithfulness. In a season where many of us cannot kneel at familiar alters, gather around sacred tables, embrace the fullness of families, or know the encouragement of friends, we may find ourselves going deeper into the story of Mary and how she obeyed the angel.

Through all that we have been living through, we can still know the promise of the holy child and the assurance through it all, that God is with us. Let us joyfully celebrate the birth of God’s only son, Jesus Christ, the Lamb, who died and rose again to take away our sins and give us new life forever.

Prayer: Lord, we eagerly look for that day when we can celebrate the coming of the Lamb and sing with the angels, “Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive… honor and glory and praise!” (Revelation 5:12) Amen.

Genesis 22:7 – “The fire and wood are here,” said Isaac, “but where is the Lamb for the burnt offering?”

By the Rev. Tommy Herndon
Image: Adobe iStock