Sermon by Rev. Laurel Bobb
Today
we celebrate God’s gift to all nations. Often in America we tend to think
of ourselves as the center of the universe. We are the wealthiest country
in the world, so we expect that is a reason for the respect and deference of
others. But God is not a respecter of persons. It doesn’t matter
whether we’re millionaires, or peasants, kings or slaves, all are alike in the
eyes of the One who sent his Son to be the Savior of the world.
The late Halford Luccock in one of his devotional writings quoted a poem by Charles Williams of England, one of that countries great mystics. Part of it goes like this: It was a king of blackamoors, A king of men slant-eyed, A king among sun-worshipers, Who at the new-born spied. It was a king with savage eyes, King with a queer pigtail, King with a small and sunlit brow, Who bade the New-born “Hail.” Back rode they to one country, One spiritual land, Three kings of my soul’s country Who touched the New-born’s hand.
Luccock continued, “The wise men are not only a symbol of the universal truth of Christmas; they are a prophecy of the coming of varied peoples into one country.” [Halford Luccock, A Sprig of Holly. NY: Pilgrim Press, 1978, pp. 33-4] In fact Christmas is an almost universal holiday. I was amazed to discover that the topic for the Iron Chef--a cooking show in Japan, translated for Americans, was “Christmas desserts” last week. While it did not have a religious focus, all were aware of the Christmas colors and snow--meaning that areas of the world like parts of North America and Europe have influenced the celebration of the holiday around the world.
But have we had an effect in spreading the news that Christmas itself is to be a celebration of Christ’s birth? What can we do to remind ourselves of this fact and help others understand it as well? We can envision ourselves as a part of a larger body than just St. Stephen congregation, as bigger than the E.L.C.A., as more far-reaching than the church in the Western hemisphere. We can see ourselves as the Book of Revelation portrays the reality of the scope of those around the throne--as one of the myriads of people from every tribe and nation worshipping the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. We can make an effort to learn more about other cultures and peoples, for understanding usually comes before accepting. These will begin us thinking straight.
Once we’re thinking straight, what can we do to have our actions match our thoughts? Well, if it is God’s plan that people from every tribe and nation be represented, we can support children and missions in various countries around the world. Some of us do this through Compassion International and by helping us to sponsor our missionaries, Marla Wood and the Schmalzles.
Locally, we can invite foreign students into our homes for the holidays, since travel expenses often preclude such students from leaving campus during holiday breaks. We can be kind and considerate of others no matter what circumstance we find ourselves in. We can recognize that all are children of God, therefore our brothers and sisters, and we can treat them as such. We can intentionally seek out opportunities to meet people from other backgrounds and learn about their holiday celebrations. We can even read books on Christmas celebrations around the world and talk about what is meaningful & Christ-centering in those celebrations. Maybe there will be one you would like to add to your family's observance.
For example, in Spain gift giving is not an important part of Christmas celebrating. It remains religious observance focusing on the nativity with candles placed on the roofs to remind them of the star of Bethlehem. Candles play an important role in observances in Sweden as well, where candles are placed on their Christmas trees for the same meaning.
In Poland an extra place is set at the table waiting for the coming King. After dinner the Star Man comes to quiz the children on their catechism. They are given token gifts for correct answers to remind them of the gifts given by the wise men.
In Mexico the town celebrates by reenacting Mary and Joseph's search for lodging. This lasts for several days until on the final evening they find acceptance and are let into the house. At that place everyone kneels at the manger and holds a worship service.
People in Ireland leave a lighted candle in their windows as a symbol of their willingness to allow the holy couple to stop and rest on their way to Bethlehem--no matter that it would be a little out of the way. The spirit of welcome is what counts, and this spirit is extended to offer hospitality to strangers as well. Could any of these traditions help make Christmas more meaningful for you or your family?
According to Emphasis, “The real work of Christian living introduces us to a larger family of fellow travelers. Within this family there will be those who look like we look; who enjoy the same things we enjoy; whose approach to faith mirrors our own; and with whom we experience kinship and joy. It is among these that our work of faith will find strength and encouragement. But within this family there will also be those who look and act differently than we do; whose experiences of faith are unfamiliar to us; whose forms of worship seem alien to our own. Despite these differences, we must not forget that they, too, are members of our family — fellow seekers after the Lord Jesus Christ. Their differences do not make them enemies against whom we must battle, nor competitors that we should shun them. Rather, they are brothers and sisters who give evidence of the rich variety of God’s grace. The real work of Christian living is the hard work of learning to be family one to another.” [Emphasis CD. Jan/Feb. 2002]
We are all members of one family because we have been baptized into Christ as Terry will be today. This is not a closed society; anybody can belong. God beckons as John the Baptist did long ago for all to repent and be baptized. The wonderful thing about living in our day is that the One who baptizes with the Holy Spirit and fire, the one whom the people of his day did not recognize, has already come. He is the one who brings joy and peace. He is the one who gave his life that we might have a part in God’s wonderful kingdom. He is the reason we celebrate this season.
As Isaiah foretold so long ago, ‘he will give us a garland instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and the mantle of praise instead of a faint spirit.’ Because he promises these things we can rejoice in God. We can exult in the God who gives us whatever is good for us.
This week I read a book called Can This Be Christmas? by Debbie Macomber. It tells the story of several families, a widow, a sailor, and a salesman who were stranded at a train station trying to get home on Christmas Eve. At first they were angry and irritable towards each other, but they listened to a little girl talk about the scraggly Christmas tree that really wasn’t so bad, especially after she adorned it with her hair bow, and they began to add their own decorations--a tie clip, a package ribbon, and the like. They began trying to make Christmas meaningful for her and another child, and as they did so they discovered they were making Christmas meaningful for themselves. As they shared what little they had and thought of others, they became extended family to one another. Isn’t that what Christ came to make us after all? So this year I invite you to become family to someone you've never met, if only for 10 minutes in the grocery line, or as you’re walking down the street. Treat the others you meet as though they were your brother or sister. Show them God’s love through how you treat them. Smile at them and wish them Merry Christmas! That will be a powerful witness in this season when we are often wrapped up in ourselves and our own doings.
As we bear witness to
what Christ has done in our lives by showing God’s love to others, we can
be confident that God will prosper our message and cause it to bear fruit.
Then we will be able to rejoice even more because through us many others
will be encouraged to hear the Good News and come to salvation in Christ.