The Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ: A Messy Story

Today's Scripture Readings

Isaiah 9:2-7 (NRSV)

The people who walked in darkness
have seen a great light;
those who lived in a land of deep darkness--
on them light has shined.
You have multiplied the nation,
you have increased its joy;
they rejoice before you
as with joy at the harvest,
as people exult when dividing plunder.
For the yoke of their burden,
and the bar across their shoulders,
the rod of their oppressor,
you have broken as on the day of Midian.
For all the boots of the tramping warriors
and all the garments rolled in blood
shall be burned as fuel for the fire.
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.
His authority shall grow continually,
and there shall be endless peace
for the throne of David and his kingdom.
He will establish and uphold it
with justice and with righteousness
from this time onward and forevermore.
The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this. 

Psalm 98 (BCP., p.727).


Titus 3:4-7 (NRSV)

When the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of any works of righteousness that we had done, but according to his mercy, through the water of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. This Spirit he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.

Luke 2:1-20 (NRSV)

In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph 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. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. 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.

In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for see-- I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger." And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying,

"Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace among those whom he favors!"

When 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 the Lord has made known to us." So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.

John 1: 1-14 (NRSV)

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.

There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.

He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God.

And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father's only son, full of grace and truth.

Blog Reflection

It happens every December the 25th.  We as Christians celebrate the Nativity of Our Lord Jesus Christ.  Each year we read and hear the beautiful Scripture texts about Mary, Joseph and Jesus and the Word made Flesh from St. John's Gospel.  We gather to sing beautiful Christmas Carols and hear Lessons read.  Our churches are beautifully adorned with wreaths, greens, candles, lights and (hopefully) a beautiful creche displaying the scene at Bethlehem.  We gather with our families and friends.  We make phone calls.  We wrap gifts.  We post our holiday greetings on Facebook and Twitter.  People like myself write blogs.  As Christians we adorn and adore the Christ child as we recall how He was born through the womb of Mary, wrapped in swaddling clothes and laid in a manger.

Every year, I marvel at how peaceful Christmas Day is for us, while in various places in the country and our world this day is anything but peaceful and joyous.  Way too many children and families live in poverty.  Our neighborhoods are riddled with news of gun violence and racial prejudice.  Each day and year, families are torn asunder by religious fundamentalists who have to use this Christmas Day to plaster the holiday dinner conversations with Scripture verses erroneously used to condemn lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning people, families and couples.  The same folks use the Bible as a weapon of mass destruction on health care reform, why we should not accept the Syrian refugees on the basis that they are Muslims, on women and many other minorities that could be mentioned.  Somewhere in some home, the conversations will include the condemnation of immigrants and the whole notion of helping our neighbors in need as Jesus taught us to do in Matthew 25: 21-46 is being thrown aside as being an example of socialism.

The fact of the matter is, the arrival of the Christ Child is a messy story.  There was no room for them in the inn.  Rose from The Golden Girls was right.  They should have called ahead to make reservations.  Too bad God didn't give them a cellphone.  Maybe there was no signal on the one they had.  What the story tells us, is that God comes to us as one like us, as one so vulnerable with only a manger to lay his new born human body.  The world around Him and the Holy Family was a mess.  The people of Israel were under enormous oppression from King Herod and the Roman Empire.  The religious establishment of the times were in turmoil with leaders who were more interested in their power of the people they served, than remembering that the heart of the Law is about mercy and justice for all people.  The message of the Nativity is a messy story.  There was no glittering lights, except a star.  No joyful singing with the exception of Angels who greeted the shepherds singing, Glory to God in the highest.  The glory of the moment was that God entered our human chaos; bringing the Light of God into our darkness and walking with us in that darkness.  "If I say, "Surely the darkness will cover me, and the light around me turn to night,"  Darkness is not dark to you; the night is as bright as the day; darkness and light to you are both alike." (Psalm 139:10-11, BCP, p.794).

Whatever mess your life is in.  Wherever you feel chaos, injustice, oppression, discrimination, powerlessness and/or loneliness.  Whether it is the death of a parent, a child, a spouse, anyone that you love or the loss of a meaningful relationship.  Whether it is an addiction or behavior that you feel like you have no control over.  Whether you feel like no one loves you or cares that you are hurting.  Know that God came to all of us in Christ Jesus into our messes and chaos to tell us that "God is with us, Emmanuel." (See Matthew 1:18-23).  All that matters to God, is that you know that you are loved by the God who loves us in Christ Jesus, His Beloved Son, our Lord.  He is Lord not as a slave owner as some suggest the word means.  Jesus is Lord in that He is the source of God's unconditional and all-inclusive love who will raise you up not unlike the symbol of the Phoenix.

May all of us embrace one another in this Christmas Season.  May we be the light in the midst of the darkness for the world around us.  May we be consoled and renewed by the Light who is born for us; the Incarnate Word.  His Name is Jesus the Christ.

Amen.


Prayers

O God, you make us glad by the yearly festival of the birth
of your only Son Jesus Christ: Grant that we, who joyfully
receive him as our Redeemer, may with sure confidence
behold him when he comes to be our Judge; who lives and
reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and
for ever. Amen. (The Book of Common Prayer, p. 212)

O God, you have caused this holy night to shine with the
brightness of the true Light: Grant that we, who have known
the mystery of that Light on earth, may also enjoy him
perfectly in heaven; where with you and the Holy Spirit he
lives and reigns, one God, in glory everlasting. Amen. (The Book of Common Prayer, p. 212)

Almighty God, you have given your only-begotten Son to
take our nature upon him, and to be born [this day] of a pure
virgin: Grant that we, who have been born again and made
your children by adoption and grace, may daily be renewed
by your Holy Spirit; through our Lord Jesus Christ, to whom
with you and the same Spirit be honor and glory, now and
for ever. Amen.  (The Book of Common Prayer, p. 213).

Almighty God, who created us in your image: Grant us
grace fearlessly to contend against evil and to make no peace
with oppression; and, that we may reverently use our freedom,
help us to employ it in the maintenance of justice in our
communities and among the nations, to the glory of your holy
Name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with
you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen. (Prayer for Social Justice, The Book of Common Prayer, p. 260).

Friday in the Fourth Week of Advent: Waiting for the Light

Scripture Reading

Luke 1: 67-80 (NRSV)

 Then his father Zechariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke this prophecy:
‘Blessed be the Lord God of Israel,
   for he has looked favourably on his people and redeemed them.
He has raised up a mighty saviour for us
   in the house of his servant David,
as he spoke through the mouth of his holy prophets from of old,
   that we would be saved from our enemies and from the hand of all who hate us.
Thus he has shown the mercy promised to our ancestors,
   and has remembered his holy covenant,
the oath that he swore to our ancestor Abraham,
   to grant us that we, being rescued from the hands of our enemies,
might serve him without fear, in holiness and righteousness
   before him all our days.
And you, child, will be called the prophet of the Most High;
   for you will go before the Lord to prepare his ways,
to give knowledge of salvation to his people
   by the forgiveness of their sins.
By the tender mercy of our God,
   the dawn from on high will break upon us,
to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death,
   to guide our feet into the way of peace.’  The child grew and became strong in spirit, and he was in the wilderness until the day he appeared publicly to Israel.

Blog Reflection

Every night when we pray Compline (or Night Prayer) we pray the following words.

Keep watch, dear Lord, with those who work, or watch, or
weep this night, and give your angels charge over those who
sleep. Tend the sick, Lord Christ; give rest to the weary, bless
the dying, soothe the suffering, pity the afflicted, shield the
joyous; and all for your love's sake. Amen.

Guide us waking, O Lord, and guard us sleeping; that awake
we may watch with Christ, and asleep we may rest in peace.

Lord, you now have set your servant free *
   to go in peace as you have promised;
For these eyes of mine have seen the Savior, *
   whom you have prepared for all the world to see:
A Light to enlighten the nations, *
   and the glory of your people Israel.

Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit: *
   as it was in the beginning, is now, and will be for ever. Amen. 

 Guide us waking, O Lord, and guard us sleeping; that awake
we may watch with Christ, and asleep we may rest in peace.  (See Book of Common Prayer, pages 134.135).

We pray the words "watching" and "waking" to symbolize the idea of staying a wake and waiting for something.  


Well since the days before St. Benedict; hermits, Monks and nuns and many other Christians would remain awake long after most were sleeping.  A form of the Liturgy of the Hours, also called the Daily Office was made for those who watched during the night.  The Liturgy is called Vigils.  These Liturgies were created from the idea contained in the words of Jesus in St. Mark's Gospel which we used to begin Advent this year.  

"Beware, keep alert; for you do not know when the time will come." "Therefore, keep awake--for  you do not know when the master of the house will come, in the evening, or at midnight, or at cockcrow, or at dawn, or else he may find you asleep when he comes suddenly.  What I say to you, I say to all; Keep awake." (Mark 13: 33, 35-37).

The idea behind praying the Liturgy of the Hours is to acknowledge God's goodness and presence at all times of our lives. In particular vigils are a reflection of the words of Psalm 139: 10 and 11.  "If I say, "Surely the darkness will cover me, and the light around me turn to night.  Darkness is not dark to you; the night is as bright as the day; darkness and light to you are both alike." (Book of Common Prayer, page 794).


Watching and praying during the night hours is an awareness of God's Divine Light that shines at all times, even in the darkness of the night within our souls and throughout human history.  


During the Season of Advent we have been watching and waiting for the Light to come. That Light is Jesus Christ.  Though God is present in creation and through God's people world wide in every person, religion and otherwise; Christians believe that Jesus is the "Light of the World" see John 9: 5.  


The song of Zechariah at the birth and naming of John the Baptist is a testimony of how God visited God's people through a prophesy fulfilled.  Zechariah sings of the "tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace."


No doubt wee are all living in a world filled with darkness.  Not just the dark of night which is both beautiful and frightening at the same time; we are also living through the darkness of war, prejudice, poverty, sickness and a certain amount of unwillingness on the part of all of us to be part of the solution for these and other issues.   The social diseases of sexism, racism, heterosexism, the privileged vs the underprivileged, religious superiority reflect a darkness in the human soul.  The abuses of power by corporations, politicians, religious organizations/ministers of all kinds continue to reflect a darkness while the needs of the oppressed and needy go ignored; with no one's ears or hearts paying attention.

Jesus is God's Light shining into the human experience of every soul.   

"All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being.  What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people.  The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.  

There was a man send from God, whose name was John.  He came as a witness to testify to the light, sot hat all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light.  The true light, which enlightens everyone was coming into the world.

He was in the world, and the world came into being through him, yet the world did not know him.  he came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or the will of man, but of God." (John 1:3-13, NRSV).  

God comes in Christ to show us the Light that we might share by reaching out to the marginalized in the Church and society.  The immigrants.  The impoverished. Those challenged physically, emotionally and psychologically.  The lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning and queer people, families and couples. The straight individuals being confused by Christianists who tell them that LGBTQ people want to "redefine marriage" by wanting to share in the light of marriage equality.


Jesus comes in the midst of our poverty, abandonment and social injustices to help us know that God is with us.  God's Light wants to shine into the darkness of our feeling like because the Church does not accept us, somehow neither does God.  God's Light comes in the midst of our doubt and despair so that we might know God's acceptance and how much God loves us intimately and completely. 


Matthew 1: 18-25 (NRSV)

Now the birth of Jesus the Messiah took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been engaged to Joseph, but before they lived together, she was found to be with child from the Holy Spirit. Her husband Joseph, being a righteous man and unwilling to expose her to public disgrace, planned to dismiss her quietly. But just when he had resolved to do this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, ‘Joseph, son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife, for the child conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.’ All this took place to fulfill what had been spoken by the Lord through the prophet:
‘Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
   and they shall name him Emmanuel’,
which means, ‘God is with us.’ When Joseph awoke from sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord commanded him; he took her as his wife, but had no marital relations with her until she had borne a son; and he named him Jesus.

We know that the story of Jesus does not end with the magic of Christmas Eve/Day; violence, bias and oppression were waiting on the doorstep for his arrival.  It did not stop, just because God arrived in the flesh. Just as it will not stop on December 25, 2011.  We will have to face all the uncertainty that is still before us.


What the Advent and Christmas message tell us is that no situation is so dark or messy that God will not be there with us.  God is present and will be present.  Even when the pain is just so great that we wonder if God exists.  Even when we feel emotionally empty.  Even when the Church still doesn't get it the way they probably should.  Just as the wonder of God's love in Jesus did not stop with the dreadful slaughter of the Holy Innocents which we will commemorate on December 28; so God has not stopped speaking and acting in 2011 as we go into 2012.  God with us means that there is always hope for justice, equality and inclusion.  

The wonder of Jesus did not end with the darkness of the cross, but there was new life in the light of the resurrection.  So it can be for all of us.  




Prayers

Purify our conscience, Almighty God, by your daily visitation,
that your Son Jesus Christ, at his coming, may find in us a
mansion prepared for himself; who lives and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
Amen. (Book of Common Prayer, page 212).

Lord Jesus Christ, by your death you took away the sting of
death: Grant to us your servants so to follow in faith where
you have led the way, that we may at length fall asleep
peacefully in you and wake up in your likeness; for your
tender mercies' sake. Amen. (Collect for Fridays, Book of Common Prayer, page 123).

O God, you made us in your own image and redeemed us
through Jesus your Son: Look with compassion on the whole
human family; take away the arrogance and hatred which
infect our hearts; break down the walls that separate us;
unite us in bonds of love; and work through our struggle and
confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth; that, in
your good time, all nations and races may serve you in
harmony around your heavenly throne; through Jesus Christ
our Lord. Amen. (Prayer for the Human Family, Book of Common Prayer, page 815).

Eternal God, in whose perfect kingdom no sword is drawn
but the sword of righteousness, no strength known but the
strength of love: So mightily spread abroad your Spirit, that
all peoples may be gathered under the banner of the Prince of
Peace, as children of one Father; to whom be dominion and
glory, now and for ever. Amen. (Prayer for Peace, Book of Common Prayer, page 815).