Adventনমুনা

Day 15: Justice and Mercy Kiss

Reflection:

“Righteousness and peace will kiss.” In these few words, Psalm 85 gives us a vision of Advent: the coming together of both justice and mercy in perfect harmony. The psalmist, looking forward in hope, anticipates what we now see fulfilled in Christ. Advent proclaims that God has not remained distant, but has drawn near, becoming flesh to set all things right. In Jesus, God’s righteousness does not overlook sin, but meets it head-on; and God’s mercy does not withhold forgiveness, but freely offers it at His own expense.

Advent is the season of divine self-giving. Though humanity had turned away from God, He did not abandon us. The Lord of heaven stooped down, taking on the form of a slave (Phil. 2:7), bearing judgment in Himself so that His people might receive life and peace. The grace of Advent is not cheap. It comes at an infinite cost. The cradle in Bethlehem is never far from the cross at Calvary.

And yet, this vision of righteousness and peace is not only about the past. Advent teaches us to wait in hope, just as Israel once waited, for the day when Christ will come again to bring God’s justice to its fullness. As we prepare our hearts, we look to Jesus as a way to embody righteousness, to pursue peace, and to trust that the kiss of justice and mercy we glimpse in Bethlehem will one day embrace the whole world.

Meditation:

How can you be a peacemaker rooted in justice?