Christmas Eve

Luke 2:8-14

“In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night.” vs. 8

Tonight there will be worship services at the Shepherd’s Fields, just outside of Bethlehem. The crowds will be small–Israel’s borders remain closed to foreign visitors. But worshippers will be there, huddled outside against the chill on a dark hillside with the lights of Jewish settlements just across the valley. Aside from a small beautifully adorned modern chapel, there’s little to see, plenty of rocks, a small cave suitable for worship, and ruins of countless churches built there through the centuries. But the locals will be there tonight–devoid of religious trappings, the prayers and songs seem sanctified, and one can imagine it to be a holy night. For many centuries the church didn’t celebrate Christmas–all the focus was on Easter. But inspired by Luke’s story some began to understand that the message of the gospel was more than a cross and an empty tomb. As the angels in Luke’s story sang, Christmas was “the good news of great joy for all the people.” It’s a celebration of God’s eternal presence within the creation itself–and it really is for all people! And so tonight we come, a few in Bethlehem, billions across the globe, singing for joy and proclaiming the eternal presence of Christ in our world. In Christ the people who walk in darkness have seen a great Light–and that’s the hope of the world!

Thought for the Day: What’s the difference between Christmas and Easter?

Luke 2:1-7

“And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.” vs. 7

This verse paints a heartbreaking scene, and we know it well–it’s the centerpiece of every Sunday School Christmas program and nearly every home has at least one nativity packed away for seasonal display. Luke crafted the story with purpose–he wants his readers to know that Jesus came from the most humble origins possible. He might have been born in Bethlehem, but he had none of the advantages of power or wealth. He may have died as a king, but that’s certainly not how he was born. No wonder it was second nature for Jesus to identify with the poor and reach out to the needy. No wonder he made himself constantly available to the hurting and the hungry. Like millions of refugees today who have no place in the cities where they are, Jesus had no place in Bethlehem, and he spent his life in ministry to people who lived on the fringes. And in us his ministry continues! It’s our calling as his brothers and sisters, his Body in the world today. Our origins may not have been so humble as his, but our focus will be the same. Many of us take that seriously and have made generous holiday gifts on behalf of others–and that’s probably the very best way for us to celebrate Christmas.

Thought for the Day: How has my origin story shaped my life?

Titus 2:11-14

“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all, training us to renounce impiety and worldly passions, and in the present age to live lives that are self-controlled, upright, and godly…” vss. 11-12

This little letter, likely composed sometime in the late first century, provides a picture of the Nativity that we could well take to heart as we put the final touches on our Christmas preparations. It’s been a long Advent, and the ongoing concerns about COVID haven’t been helpful. We’d hoped this whole mess would be over by now–we’re weary of the continuing debates and ever-present threat. And in case we’ve lost focus, Titus reminds us that Christmas, the coming of Jesus, is all about the grace of God and the good news that salvation is for all. It really is a time for celebration and songs of joy–but it’s not an occasion for reckless living. Christmas calls us to change our ways, put aside cultural distractions, and live in a way that glorifies goodness. And that can be done! As we look around it’s stunning to see how many people are living in a decent and upright fashion–it’s a mode of living that transcends political differences. Both red and blue folks are showing love in their interactions, lifting up the poor, and continuing the mission of Jesus. And they live this way, not because we have to, not so we can get to heaven when we die, but because of Christmas, because God has showered grace and salvation upon us all.

Thought for the Day: What does Christmas mean to me?

Psalm 96

“For great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; he is to be revered above all gods.” vs. 4

Even though some say that atheism is on the march and that fewer people believe in God, the truth is that there are a plethora of gods available in the marketplace. Humans have never been without their gods and new ones are being invented every day–and there are plenty of suppliants, all ready to offer sacrifices on the altars of Mammon and Bacchus. In fact there are so many gods out there that it’s hard to focus on any particular one. With Christmas drawing near though, more and more are getting ready to offer praise to the One True God, the one who is worthy to be revered above all gods. And which God is this? The psalmist says that it’s the one who made the heavens, and that’s a great place to start. Of course there is no way we can really describe the Creator God. Where indeed can we find words adequate for One who brought the universe into existence and is present in all and through all? Those who are followers of Jesus believe that in him we catch glimpses of God, that in him the Creative Word of God was made flesh, and if we really want to worship God there’s no better way than to gather in celebration of Jesus’ birth. So for them this Friday, we’re not just saying “Happy Birthday” to Jesus, we’re saying thank you to the Great God of All!

Thought for the Day: Which gods have particular appeal for me?

Isaiah 9:2-7

“For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” vs. 6

Coronations were a big deal in the nation of Judah. They were a time for celebrations and extravagant displays; the prophets proclaimed the glory of God and pronounced God’s blessing on the newly crowned king. Isaiah describes the new king as a child given from God, a son with authority and a string of fine-sounding names. It was a fresh start for the nation and hopes were high. Early Christians read these verses as a description of Jesus, a child born in humble surroundings but carrying with him all the hopes of the people. He was a light shining in the darkness, the dawn of a new age. Those hopes are especially poignant in this mid-December time when, at least in the Northern Hemisphere,  the sun takes prolonged breaks from lighting up our world. We love the light displays in front yards, the candle flames in our homes, and the ritual of lighting Advent wreaths. Sometimes it seems as though things are not changing much in our world and we grow weary of the dark stories that dominate the news. That’s why it feels good to string up the lights, drag out the candles and celebrate the Light of Christ. It’s like a coronation or the birthday of a king, an annual festival of thanksgiving that rises out of faith and that feeds our deepest hopes.

Thought for the Day: Who or what lights up my life?

Luke 1:43-45

“And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord.” vs. 45

Elizabeth speaks from experience. In the first of Luke’s nativity stories she had been the heroine. Even though her husband Zechariah doubted, in her old age she had conceived and was very pregnant when Mary showed up at her doorstep. The story as Luke tells it is touching. Two women, one very old and one very young, both pregnant and both thrilled at what had happened. Elizabeth focuses on the blessing that comes with belief–and she’s right! Some of us know the feeling. There is much in our lives that is unfulfilled–we don’t yet know everything that is going to happen. So much is a mystery! But still we have confidence that there will be goodness in our future, that surprises will come our way, and perhaps most importantly, that death is not the end. None of those things have yet happened, but when we trust that the promises will be fulfilled, there are enormous blessings that come to us in the present. It is so good to live with a positive spirit of anticipation, to trust that God has good things in mind for us, and to know that the Christ within us is going to bear fruit. How sad it is when folks choose instead to look on the dark side and continually doubt that the divine promises will be fulfilled! It’s like believing that it will always be winter and never Christmas!

Thought for the Day: When is my trust level at the highest?

Luke 1:39-42

“And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and exclaimed with a loud cry, ‘Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb.’” vss. 41b-42

Luke began his account of the life of Jesus with an exploration of his origins and includes two birth narratives that have been irresistible for artists and theologians for centuries. He wants his readers to know that what happened in Jesus was the work of the Holy Spirit, and that emphasis continues through the whole of his gospel and the book of Acts. He understands the Holy Spirit as the very presence of the Divine, that mysterious force that breaks into our lives and that directs us in new, exciting, and fruitful ways. Obviously the Holy Spirit captured and led Jesus in his mission, but that wasn’t the beginning of the Spirit’s connections. The Spirit had worked through the prophets and now, in the fullness of time, had burst into history once again, and had spoken through two powerful women of faith. We can feel Luke’s excitement in his description of Elizabeth’s response to Mary’s visit. The words he used have become a centerpiece for Catholic piety and are said millions of times a day with every “Hail Mary” uttered. Because of them Mary has become for many the feminine aspect of God–an always available source of compassion and forgiveness. We can only applaud Luke’s insights and expansive description of the Spirit’s work. There is no person through whom the Spirit cannot work or speak!

Thought for the Day: What’s it like to be filled with the Holy Spirit?

Hebrews 10:7-10

“And it is by God’s will that we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” vs. 10

The writer of Hebrews recognized that the whole sacrificial system as laid out in the law had been invented by humans. Their intentions had been good; they had wanted to provide a way for people to receive forgiveness of sins. The guilt of sin had been debilitating and the periodic offerings had provided at least some measure of relief. In fact, if the temple had not been destroyed the rituals would have probably continued without interruption. But with the temple gone, eyes had been opened to the folly of the past. Disciples now saw that the crucifixion had been a once-for-all love offering that brought holiness for all people for all time. Now there are some who believe that this teaching too is a human invention, a way for early disciples to make sense of Jesus’ death on a cross. And there is probably some truth in that understanding. After all, humans are the authors of all religious ideas and theologies. But Jesus wasn’t a human invention, and his death is well attested. And when we begin to see him as the incarnation of God’s love, the Christ comes alive in our hearts–and we are cleansed from the ugly stains of sin and guilt. And the grace of that deep truth brings us daily joy and profound peace.

Thought for the Day: Why is forgiveness necessary for peace in our hearts?

Hebrews 10:5-7

“Consequently, when Christ came into the world, he said, ‘Sacrifices and offerings you have not desired, but a body you have prepared for me;’” vs. 3

After the destruction of the temple in 70 AD and its elimination as a place of worship and sacrifice, Jewish followers of Jesus scrambled to make sense of what had happened. Bit by bit, as they examined their scriptures, some of them began to understand Jesus’ death as a once for all sacrifice for sin. Here the writer of Hebrews uses verses from the Psalms to make that argument in a way that his Jewish readers could understand. Whatever we might think of his interpretation of those verses, there is no doubt that his conclusions became the centerpiece of the Church’s teachings about the death of Jesus. In a few days billions of people will be gathering to celebrate his birth, not just because it’s a nice story, but because they believe that in him God acted to take away the sins of the world. In fact, even the folks who reject the satisfaction theory of atonement will be joining the crowds and singing “Silent Night.” They just can’t stay away! However we have come to understand Jesus, he is above all the Christ, and in his Body we find grace and purpose. We don’t have to appease God with bribes and offerings–our lives are God’s offering and in our bodies we experience and pass on God’s extravagant love. 

Thought for the Day: What do my sins have to do with Jesus?

Luke 1:51-55

“He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty.” vss. 52-53

Mary’s song gives definition to Luke’s vision of the peaceable kingdom. As he sees it, God is no unbiased bystander in the great scheme of things. Rather, God is intimately involved and has a pronounced bias for the poor and the hungry. Luke simply doesn’t buy the contemporary notion that wealth is a sign of God’s favor and that great riches are God’s gift to the powerful. But still we wonder? What are we to make of the fact that the rich have seized the reins of power in our world and have crafted laws and regulations that will bring them even greater wealth? Is the Magnificat just a kind of pious drivel, some myth to assuage the hungry and the poor in the depths of their despair? Is the real truth that the rich have got the upper hand? And that God just doesn’t care? Those are big questions, one’s that the followers of Jesus have struggled with for generations. To this point though believers have not capitulated and many have chosen to embrace Mary’s counter-cultural message. Millions have embraced simplicity and are spending their wealth to feed the hungry and empower the powerless. In response to their presence the rich are feeling the pressure and the thrones of the powerful are beginning to totter. The peaceable kingdom is coming!

Thought for the Day: What would I do if I lost my wealth?