This year during Advent, we return to the Gospel of Luke. This is so refreshing for me. Because the story of Christmas takes flight with detail after detail that brings Jesus’ birth to life. We can’t help but be taken in by stars that shine bright and shepherds that keep watch over their flocks by night. We also tune our ears to listen as Mary spills the news of her pregnancy to Elizabeth who is also expecting, even in her advanced years. The miracles just keep jumping off the page as the story unfolds and draws us in.
What I love most is this story’s ability to transport me to my childhood in Mt. Vernon, SD, and to Trinity Lutheran where I first heard the story of Jesus. From his birth to the empty tomb, this sanctuary of my youth planted the seeds that have fueled my curious heart all these years. I wonder if this is the same story that most children and young adults turn to when they remember what sparked their faith life?
What is it about this story that speaks so deeply to us? Maybe it is several ideas. First, as children we are pretty impressionable, and this story is told from a child’s vantage point.
No matter how dysfunctional our family systems may be, the child in all of us longs to feel we are a blessing to our parents. The sacredness of the story reveals not only the hope of this love of our parents, but is a testament to the love God (our creator) has for us. Bound by this love, pondering the movement of the incarnation, we are led to believe that God, our heavenly parent, is even more gracious and loves us more than any earthly parent could.
Second, as the story unfolds, it tells the truth about life. Life is hard. Not everything goes according to plan. In real life and real time we see how delicate life can be. Along come evil rulers and those who do their bidding. Children become pawns in their schemes and Mary and Joseph must flee to protect their family. Most people I have met can share a story of trying to find their way in an uncertain world.
This Advent and Christmas, we are going to celebrate a story of hope. A conviction of things prayed for and a belief in things that are not easily seen. It should not surprise you this season is a time to open your heart to faith. A faith that God cares about you, and holds you close. It will be a time to let the story speak to you and assure you that fears and doubts do not determine whether God will love you. God does, period. It is a part of the journey that out of our fears and doubts, faith is given an opportunity to grow. Grace is received by faith. So do not fear your fears, do not hide your doubts. Let it be ok to struggle. Then hear how God comes to you in the flesh to embody this love of God in Jesus.
Christmas is an experience. It draws us into the presence of a God who meets the challenges of life and gives the assurance that He is here. In the messiness and the questions and all that life throws at us, God refuses to abandon us. So… Come Oh Come Emmanuel and Capture Captive Israel (a man seeing God)…’ Ys (Man) r’h (to see) ‘el (God). This Christmas I want to see God.
Have a Blessed Christmas, Pastor Jeff