A Christmas Eve Reflection (2020)
This evening we have heard the unfolding story of the promise of life we uphold this Christmas. We hear the words of the Prophet Isaiah who proclaims that a new way, a way of peace will come into the world. We hear the words of the angel who spoke to Mary, who certainly knew what significant role she would play in the narrative of God’s unfolding salvation. And we hear the tale of Mary and Joseph, who traveled to Bethlehem and the angels who appeared to the poor shepherds in the fields with their songs of praise. And lastly, we hear the words of John’s Gospel, who reminds us that we gather this evening to celebrate the light, the holy, the life-giving light that entered into our world this Christmas Eve.
The Christmas story is one that is ever so relevant to us today. There are still King Herods and Pontius Pilates who try to maintain power through immoral acts. There are still people on the outside, the margins, like the shepherds, the poor, and the oppressed. And there are still those like Mary. People who possess a great truth but find that people judge them with eyes of hesitancy and distrust. The Christmas story is one that resonates with all of us. It especially reaches to those of us who are waiting in the darkness. Those of us who are waiting for a great light to bring salvation and healing. This year we celebrate the great gift of light that entered into the world in the form of the Christ child.
And we celebrate the light of hope that seems to have broken through this 2020 fog. We give thanks and celebrate the work of researchers and doctors, who created the means to open up a new year of anticipation, a year that will free from fear this pandemic has caused. This year we have turned our houses or dwellings into offices, school rooms, houses of worship, and many other places. Some things have worked, and others have left us feeling weary and tired, understandably so. But if there is one takeaway, it is that some things have to change. No longer are the old ways viable; if hope, love, peace, and joy are to prevail, then things have to change! And that is why God had sent and continues to send people to proclaim the Life-Light that came in the form of a little child who from birth was counter-cultural.
As this year comes to a close, I can't help but find some odd sense of comfort from the story of Christ's birth. Usually, we'd be celebrating Christmas with family, friends, and we'd be having large parties and gathers. Yet, this year, we discover we're in our own little mangers, alone, but in the presence of a light so bright it gives us hope because it's hope for the entire world. There's something poetic about that. And even though I know this year has been difficult for many, something is refreshing to hearing and experiencing the birth of Christ in a new way. It's not the Hallmark movie version of Christmas that we've come to expect, but it's the messy, chaotic, love-filled, hopeful, not-so-silent-night, where Jesus made his entrance as love made flesh and brought light into our darkened world.
This Christmas Eve, we talk about the light of Christ, we give thanks that love so divine would enter into our world. So why don't we take the steps necessary for making that love a reality outside of Christmas? Why don't we take the steps needed for us; to build on the hope, peace, joy, and love that Christ brought to all humankind? We all could use a little more light in our lives, but if all we ever do is talk about such light and never take action, then nothing is going to change! If our celebration of the birth of Christ remains only a celebration, we've missed the mark. So this Christmas, and from now on, why don't we do something to be the light that is needed in our communities?
When I look and read disparaging comments on social media, I remind myself that as sad as it makes me feel, it's a clear reminder of just how anxious we all are feeling. I don't doubt that there are dashes of anger and malice behind some of these comments, but it's clear that we all are feeling something, whether it is hopelessness, loss, disappointment, etc. Perhaps in those moments is when we need to turn towards the Christ child and remember that love came in such an innocent and vulnerable form. Maybe then our hearts can better understand the pain of our neighbors, and we can take a step back and breathe. We can be the light we all need if, instead of lashing out in the comment sections of articles of Facebook posts, we acknowledge that we are all wrestling with a lot this year.
This Christmas season, we heard the story of all the women and men who God had called before the birth of Christ. And God continues to call women and men to be bearers of the life and love the Christ child embodies for all people. I think that this Christmas season, we should focus on what we can do to bring what we cherish this Christmas a reality. Because in the moments when we feel like there is no light, all we have to do is look and be reminded of the Life-Light that has already entered into the world. It could be in a smile, a picturesque scene, or witnessing random acts of kindness that inspire us to continue carrying the Christmas hope, peace, love, and joy with us throughout the year. Amen.