December 24, 2011
Nativity of the Lord
I received a Christmas card from Bethany. Bethany and Morgan (her sister) are children in our school. The printed greeting reads: "Rejoice! Our savior is born." Below the handwritten message, the words are impressed in braille. I can see and touch the words. "In the beginning was the Word" (John 1:1). God's Word creates the universe. We can still detect the sound, light and radiation from the primordial explosion at the moment of God's creation of the universe. From silence, God speaks again. "And the Word became flesh and dwelt amongst us."
I am so glad you are here to celebrate Christ's coming. At Eucharist, we (children and adults) gather to re-tell and hear the story of the birth of Jesus. The biblical infancy narratives are found in the Gospels according to Matthew and Luke. There are common details: angels; Mary with child by the Holy Spirit; faithful Joseph, from the tribe/house of David; and the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem. But there are special remembrances only in Matthew: angelic dreams of Joseph; the star in the night sky and visit of the Magi. In Luke we note: angelic announcements to Mary and shepherds; no room in the place for travelers, swaddling clothes and a manger; and the visit of shepherds. Read the narrative accounts at home and ask yourselves: "What is the meaning of the manger or food box for animals in Luke?" "What is the significance of the star and Magi in Matthew?"
We rejoice as children when we hear the story of the birth of Jesus. As adults we are drawn back to Bethlehem to rediscover the meaning and mystery of Christ's coming. We have lost our way as adults. In the darkness of our world, we search for light that kindles hope. Hurt and wounded, we pray for healing. Sinful, we ask for forgiveness. We long for reconciliation -- to be one again with neighbor, God and creation. The words written and impressed in braille by Bethany are very important: "Rejoice! Our savior is born." Inside the card, Bethany attached a Hershey's piece of chocolate. Bethlehem means "city of bread." Be nourished today at Eucharist with the living Word of God and the Sacrament of love, the Body and Blood of Christ. I wish you a joyful Christmas and God's peace in the New Year.
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4th Sunday of Advent
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Mary, Mother of God
