Periodic queerier, River Needham, queeried the reading from the Tanakh.
Tanakh: Isaiah 9:2-7
The people that walked in darkness have seen a brilliant light; on those who dwelt in a land of gloom, light has dawned. You have magnified that nation, have given it great joy; they have rejoiced before you as they rejoice at reaping time, as they exult when dividing spoil. For the yoke that they bore and the stick on their back—the rod of their taskmaster—you have broken as on the day of Midian. Truly, all the boots put on to stamp with and all the garments donned in infamy have been fed to the flames, devoured by fire. For a child has been born to us, a son has been given us. Authority has settled on his shoulders. He has been named "The Mighty God is planning grace; The Eternal Father, a peaceable ruler"—in token of abundant authority and of peace without limit upon David's throne and kingdom, that it may be firmly established in justice and in equity now and evermore.
Queeries for the text:
What is happening to the brilliant light right now?
How do you live on a land of gloom?
What spoils do specific groups of us [unfairly] divide today?
Which taskmasters do we serve today?
How do you plan grace?
What about eternal peace?
Who is this ruler?
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Rev. Emily E. Ewing queeried the reading from the Gospel.
Gospel: Luke 2:1-14[15-20]
In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus
that all the world should be registered.
2This was the first registration
and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria.
3All went to their own towns to be registered.
4Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee
to Judea,
to the city of David called Bethlehem,
because he was descended from the house and family of David.
5Joseph went to be registered with Mary,
to whom he was engaged
and who was expecting a child.
6While they were there,
the time came for her to deliver her child.
7And she gave birth to her firstborn
and wrapped him in bands of cloth,
and laid him in a manger,
because there was no place for them in the inn.
8In that region there were shepherds living in the fields,
keeping watch over their flock by night.
9Then an angel of God stood before them,
and the glory of God shone around them,
and they were terrified.
10But the angel said to them,
“Do not be afraid;
for see—
I am bringing you good news of great joy
for all the people:
for all the people:
11to you is born this day
in the city of David a Savior,
who is the Messiah, the Sovereign.
12This will be a sign for you:
you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth
and lying in a manger.”
and lying in a manger.”
13And suddenly there was with the angel
a multitude of the heavenly army,
praising God and saying,
14“Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace among those whom God favors!”
[15When the angels had left them
and gone into heaven,
the shepherds said to one another,
“Let us go now to Bethlehem
and see this thing that has taken place,
which God has made known to us.”
16So they went with haste
and found Mary and Joseph,
and the child lying in the manger.
17When they saw this,
they made known what had been told them about this child;
18and all who heard it were amazed
at what the shepherds told them.
at what the shepherds told them.
19But Mary treasured all these words
and pondered them in her heart.
20The shepherds returned,
glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen,
as it had been told them.]
Queeries for the text:
Why do people get registered?
Who is Quirinius?
Why was Jesus born at that time?
What sort of place was Jesus born?
What do shepherds do with their time?
What happened to the sheep when the shepherds went to Bethlehem?
Who else did the shepherds find with Mary, Joseph, and the child?
How do we treasure and ponder words in our hearts?
How can we glorify and praise God?
What are your queeries?
1 comment:
This was great to read, thank you
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