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First
Reading
|
Psalm |
Epistle |
Gospel |
| Isaiah 61:10-62:3 |
Psalm 147:13–19 |
Galatians 3:23–25 |
John 1:1–18
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We have all heard the slogans meant to rouse our spirits: “Peace through strength, peace through negotiation, peace through whatever is the latest fad of talk show or paperback philosophy.” The world usually equates peace with security and a life of relative ease, but the message of the angels, “Glory to God in the Highest and on earth peace to those with whom God is pleased” is not the same thing. The message of the angels presupposes a struggle against the brokenness and virus of hate among humanity. It sees people of goodwill contending against the senseless tragedy within human existence and a fight against our own fear of being unloved and unvalued. God’s peace also implies that we are in transit, in some way moving on, from one point to another. Instead of guaranteeing a slice of security and ease, it offers to sustain us while we are on the move.
Herbert O’Driscoll, the great Canadian preacher of our church, has observed that much of the world’s great literature involves an adventure, of going forth towards a goal that often is never totally attained. We wish for a sequel to confirm that all has truly ended well.
People of faith believe that in some matter they are part of a large body of seekers in search of a new land and a new existence. The writer of Revelation expresses it in terms of a new Jerusalem descending from a cloud upon the hills. In this new land there will be neither mourning nor pain. Former things will have passed away. God will be a living presence to all who dwell there. There will be neither night nor need for sun or moon, because all will walk in the glorious grace of God.
Two thousand years ago, Bethlehem became a very special stop on the way, but it was only a temporary stop, not a final destination. Everyone in the Christmas story soon went forth and left Bethlehem far behind. We have no record if Jesus ever returned to visit his birthplace.
Matthew in his Gospel emphasizes the motif of having no permanent home on this earth by having Mary and Joseph flee with Jesus into Egypt likely within a few weeks. They would be refugees from the jealous wrath of a ruler insane with fear. The shepherds were nomads by profession. They were always on the move seeking fresh pasture and with the need to transverse innumerable wastelands. They were citizens of no town. The magi, who dedicated their lives in search of greater truth, had been led to Bethlehem by a star, likely the convergence of the planets Jupiter and Saturn, telling of a ruler born for an age of crisis and radical decision. Then the planets sped by each other on their heavenly course. The magi departed in a different way, and likely never met up with each other ever again.
Over our Christmas celebration we give thanks to God for being able to come together and to retell the ancient story. Our church is beautiful this time of year, but it is only an oasis and a place to refresh our spirits. We, too, go forth from here, even if we return Sunday after Sunday. Our lives converge and blend with others and God’s peace is shared. While we may often return here, we are never exactly the same.
Christmas reminds us that we, too, are part of a much larger and universal adventure. However, in God’s eyes we are an important part of the story, just as the shepherds and magi. We are joined with them and countless saints of times past in the struggle and challenge of announcing God’s plans for this earth. As we come together around the Lord’s Table, God gives us food for the journey, then we go forth, keeping the angels’ message near our hearts. “Be not afraid, for behold I bring you good news of great joy that is meant for all of goodwill.” So, let us go forth in peace, God’s peace. Amen!
And I offer this to you in the name of the Living God, Amen.
