December 25, 2015

“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. John 1:1 – 14

“The light shines on in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” I love the confident note of hope this verse sounds. One the one hand, it is the declaration of a state of fact: light is stronger than darkness. At the same time, it is also a promise: even when it seems otherwise – and even the briefest scan of the headlines can make it seem otherwise – yet the light continues to shine and the darkness has neither overcome nor understood it. There is an active, even tensive quality to this verse that strikes me as accurately capturing the life of faith. We live confident of the promise that light is stronger than darkness, love stronger than hate, and life stronger than death. Yet not only that is not always apparent in the meantime, but even when we believe it most confidently that doesn’t lessen the amount of struggle a faithful life entails. Christmas reminds us of God’s decision to become one of us, to take on our lot and our life that we might have hope, and to share our mortal life that we might enjoy God’s eternal life. This is not merely a season or celebration, it is a promise that requires our active participation every day of the year. God’s condescension simultaneously glorifies human flesh and endeavors. Our lives matter to God. Our welfare is of tremendous importance to the Almighty. There is no worry too small, no challenge too great, that God is not eager to share it with us. Indeed, God is eager to equip and empower us to share our worries and challenges, as well as our joys and hopes, with each other. As because of God’s decision to come to us in a form we recognize, we are empowered to reach out to those around us.” (David Lose, Dear Working Preacher, Christmas Continued, December 30, 2014)

What are the different ways G-d could come to this world? G-d could have come in the manner that Ezekiel left – a flaming chariot suddenly appearing in the heavens, surrounded by clouds and a multitude of other chariots leading, guiding, heralding his coming. Or, he could have appeared on something like a television, a large screen suddenly appearing in the heavens for every one to see. He could have come in a mighty wind, everyone having to avert their eyes until it calms down, and there stands Jesus in his full glory. None of these would do. G-d determined to come like every other child comes to this earth – through the birth canal. It is not the ordinary way a king announces his reign – but Jesus is not ordinary King.

“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.” (Luke 2:10 – 12)

He could have come on a fiery chariot, but instead he came to set the world on fire with love, mercy and grace.

Pastor Dave