Christmas Day Reflection

As I look around at our neighbours, I’m wondering what sort of Christmas they are having, and whether Jesus is actually playing any part in their celebrations. That is, of course, if they are in any position to be celebrating in the first place (for we cannot assume that everybody is of the mind or in the position to celebrate). Now, I want to be clear – I don’t say this judgmentally, but rather longingly! For many people have not had the opportunity of really appreciating who Jesus is.

Mary gave birth to Jesus, and wrapped him in pieces of cloth, and laid him in an animal trough – because there was no room anywhere else. Today, Jesus can be confined to be the plaster doll in the nativity scene, in some cases the subject of blindly repeated Christmas carols, or a swear word when frustration strikes – because there is no room anywhere else. The rooms of so many houses are so full of things of dubious importance, that there is no space for Jesus. This state of affairs should disturb us. Why ? Because so many people and neighbourhoods and communities are missing out!

This is not just an eternal destiny thing … far from it. This is about the opportunity to know and experience Jesus in everyday life here and now. In some cases this will be because the gospel message has been outright rejected. In other situations, through apathy, laziness, or self-satisfaction, Jesus has been cast out to the back room or the shed, right out to the periphery, or out of their minds entirely. However there is another state of affairs that should disturb us even more. Large numbers of people, perhaps even the growing majority, have never (effectively) heard about the good news of Jesus … even in the streets around where we live.

So what are people missing out on? Why would be so concerned? What has Jesus to offer that people are missing out on? We should be able to answer this question, for it is exactly what we are experiencing and enjoying, that they are missing out on. This is what we want for our neighbours and friends also:

·        Salvation – where we can be totally lost in our destructive habits and behaviours, Jesus came to rescue us and allow us to take a totally new direction … “[Mary] will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). Being saved from our “sins” releases us to live with life-long purpose in an intimate and uninterrupted relationship with our Creator.

·        Peace – where there is so much hurt, violence and disruption around people’s lives, the opportunity of having an uninterrupted connectedness to our loving heavenly parent and creator allows us to survive, develop and flourish … “Look, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall name him Emmanuel, which means God is with us” (Matthew 1:23); “Glory to God in highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favours” (Luke 2:14).

·        Light – where often life is a mystery and full of deeply difficult challenges, Jesus came to shine light into the darkness and give us guidance which helps us to see our way forward. Because of this richness of knowing Jesus, we must persist in sharing the message and living out the light and peace and hope-filled salvation. God is seeking to reach out through us, and Christmas seems the most natural context in which to participate with God – as this is when God came to the earth in human form to connect personally with his creations.

The Shepherds' Revelation (Luke 2:8-20)

By way of introduction:

Last week we looked at the visit of the “wise men” to the infant Jesus. This time we will consider how the shepherds came to be the other party of early worshippers at the occasion of the birth of Jesus. The shepherds received a revelation of good news, made good decisions, witnessed to the truth, and worshipped God. These then are four areas in which we will study what happened with the shepherds.

(1)    REVELATION RECEIVED (v.9-12)

While the shepherds were literally minding their own business, they were confronted by what was evidently, given the shining “glory” right around them, an “angel of the Lord”; which was subsequently accompanied by a whole “host” of heavenly beings. This was not something that happened every day, so understandably there was a ‘fear reaction’ … “they were terrified” (v.9). One may have expected something like this to happen at the temple, but never out in the fields! No-one would have expected such a huge sound and light show to be turned on for just shepherds.

This is because, despite their good level of care for sheep, such shepherds were not highly regarded … partly due to not being able to observe Jewish practices and synagogue attendance. Some people viewed shepherds as thieves much like gypsies. These shepherds were people on the margins of mainstream society, the lowest paid of the working class, thought to be at the bottom of the pile – nameless nobodies. Yet God can appear at any place at any time to anyone of his choosing!

Then the shepherds heard the words, “Do not be afraid”, which I reckon in some circumstances, would have made sane people even more frightened. Yet there was a reason not to be afraid … a very good reason … actually, the best of reasons – the birth of a Saviour, Messiah and Lord. This would be such good news as to bring “great joy for all the people”, and these shepherds were receiving a decent sort of ‘heads up’! But why these shepherds? Now, as we have said, it’s not as if they were important people, not to anyone except the sheep that they cared for.

They were not royalty or religious leaders, and certainly were not as important as the ‘wise men from the east’. Herod would not likely ever hear about what the shepherds were doing. These were humble folk. Why them … why would these shepherds receive this revelation of “good news”?? Was it the very fact that they were lowly humble people that they received this ‘heads up’? The very sort of people that would respond well to Jesus throughout his later adult ministry! Or, was it because these shepherds would be bearing witness to the ‘Great Shepherd’, who would ultimately give up his life for his particular sheep – the sheep of his pasture?

(2)    DECISION MADE (v.10-16)

Now, these shepherds had some decisions to make. First, it is a conscious decision to get past fear. One has to find the courage to apply fully their faith, and not let certain circumstances or discomforting events disrupt them unduly. When the angel said “Do not be afraid”, the shepherds would have to decide to get past any of their fear reactions and apply some positive resolve. Secondly, the shepherds would have to allow the very offer of a sign (v.12), together with the praise-filled voices of the “heavenly host”, to reassure them towards an action-based response.

When the angels left the shepherds to their own devices, they would need to make the decision to go to Bethlehem. What we then read is the secret to their actual presence at one of the greatest scenes in history – “Let us go now …”. Not only was there this positive unhesitant resolve, but also a bold statement of expectation – “… and see this thing that has taken place” (v.15). They didn’t run and hide, nor did they simply go back to their jobs – rather the shepherds had a quick chat and then headed for Bethlehem without delay and indeed with “haste” (v.16).

(3)    WITNESS PROVIDED (v.16-18)

The shepherds’ determination to visit the birthplace of the Christ child provides a great witness to the searching, guiding, relationship-seeking God. God spoke and the shepherds responded! Their excitement and expectations had been raised by this certain “news” that was of both personal and universal significance – it had happened in their time and space (“to you is born this day”) and was relevant to everybody of all generations (“… great joy for all the people”) … all stated back in verses 10 & 11.

When their expectations were fully realised, these shepherds widely “made known” what they had been told in preparation (for their discovery). And why wouldn’t you want to be an active witness to this! Not often in this world is their such “good news of great joy”!! There might be temporal types of joyful good news … the end of a war, landing on the moon, the fall of the Berlin wall, Australia winning a test match; but this is “good news … for all people” and “good news” for all times. Surely you would pass on this news!

As a result of the shepherds’ witness, many people heard this “good news of great joy” and were “amazed”. What is meant by this word translated “amazed”? It could suggest that people were caused to wonder what was happening in their midst … to ask questions (about this seemingly special birth) and think it carefully through. Now that’s what we’d want, is it not! It could suggest that people were surprised that such “good news” came in the form of a poor family residing in the worst of physical environments (in conflict with common beliefs held concerning the “Messiah”). It could suggest that some felt scandalised by the fact that it was despised shepherds making such pronouncements. And it could suggest that some people actually marvelled at the plausible truth of it all! Ultimately, no doubt some were “amazed” in a positive way with a positive outcome – many were wholly impressed and responsive.

(4)    WORSHIP GIVEN (v.13-14; 20)

The shepherds experienced first-hand what worship was about (refer v.14). True worship points to the glory of God – to the creativity, compassion, re-creativity and generosity of God. God’s glory rules the heavenly realms, but also traverses the earth … where those who respond to God participate in God’s peace – both as recipients and as transmitters. Those who receive peace with God would naturally become peace-makers and reconcilers on earth. In this way, the great vision of peace enveloped within the worship of the “multitude”, can start to become realised.

Having experienced such worship, the shepherds come to worship themselves (refer v.20). And they did this, not just fixed in one place, but mobile worshippers through the movement of their lives. The shepherds’ lives had been undoubtedly changed through this encounter with the Divine – one could only hope that these particular shepherds will now be viewed in a new way by the general populace.

And in conclusion:

So, over these two weeks, we have seen the two groups who were the witnesses to the greatest birth in history – foreign astrologers and lowly shepherds. What might this indicate about Jesus? The shepherds’ arrival at the manger certainly anticipates two things about Jesus: (i) that Jesus will have a special interest in the marginalised and those rejected by the strong and powerful, and (ii) that Jesus himself will be “Great Shepherd” who would be prepared to leave the ninety-nine to search for the single lost sheep.

What does this say to us? That those who will respond to Jesus, like the foreign “wise men” and the shepherds, may actually be those who appear (or we consider) least likely – those very different to us or those outside the mainstream (or outside our definition of respectability).

"Wise Seeking" - a sermon on Matthew 2:1-12

The gospel of Matthew tells us that, sometime following the birth of Jesus, some “wise men” (we don’t know how many) came from the “east” to Jerusalem searching for a child born “king of the Jews”. It was natural, that if there was to be an inquiry about an important Jewish religious figure, that you would head for Jerusalem. These “wise men”, probably from ancient Persia, were actually called “Magi”, and most likely were noted astronomers and astrologers, likely to also have interests in prophecies and dreams. They were well acquainted with the stars and what such stars represented in various philosophies. Astrological signs were valued and often understood to signal the birth of important figures. The “wise men” may also have gathered limited information about the expectations and prophecies of the Jewish religion.

They were clearly interested in a particular star that they took to represent the coming of the “king of the Jews” into the world. The “Magi” didn’t want to miss out on any world changing events like this might turn out to be! They were also interested in the “king of the Jews” himself, as the wanted to “pay him homage”. These “wise men” were certainly seekers after truth. Whatever their situation in life, and whatever beliefs they currently held, they held a great interest in learning more. What we can certainly tell, is that the “Magi” didn’t want their lives to pass by having missed such a wonderful opportunity to encounter an important happening like this.

These “wise men” came to Jerusalem in search of a significant child, but needed to ask around where specifically he might be found. Herod, the (human) king in Judea, allowed to rule there by the Romans, heard about this search, and immediately his hackles were raised … ‘there can be no king but me’! To hear that distinguished foreigners wanted to pay “homage” to another, who is also being described as a “king”, is very threatening to such an insecure leader as Herod was. To pay “homage”, amongst others things, is to offer submission to that person, so Herod became frightened about this perceived potential threat … so frightened that he eventually carried out a most hideous crime to try to protect his position. This is why we read that “all Jerusalem [was frightened] with him” – if Herod was upset then someone was going to suffer!

Herod started to concoct a plan, and asked the “chief priests and scribes” for information about this so called “king” and “Messiah”. And we might note that he didn’t have any trouble getting the answer!!! Jesus was to come into a world where the powerless and vulnerable would love him, but the powerful and content would hate him. Fortunately, for God’s plans, the “wise men” were honest and true seekers.

Here quoted by the “chief priests” was the belief that the Messiah would be born in the city of David – Bethlehem – and this is where the “Magi” were directed. This was so Herod could also participate in the celebration … yeah right!! I actually don’t think these wise seekers were fooled for too long by Herod, or at least they would’ve had a fair idea that he was up to something! Herod was infamous as a paranoid and ruthless character. And these “wise men” were not just mildly interested gatherers of information nor unconcerned distant spectators – they really wanted to worship the real “king of the Jews” – not a traitorous Roman puppet. Ultimately they were certainly aware and open enough, to hear God saying through a dream, not to go back anywhere near Herod.

There has been much conjecture over what this “star” event actually was and what the “Magi” saw. But the only way to interpret the moving star that the “wise men” were able to follow from Jerusalem to where Jesus was situated … is that God was leading them to Jesus! From this I think we can make the bold statement that God is working in the hearts of those who are seeking after the sort of truth and good news that will undoubtedly change their lives for the better … those that are also inclined to stand against those who would either be apathetic or destructive.

Here is an example of God connecting with searching people within the particular cultural context they found themselves. God often meets people right where they are! Whereas astrology was frowned upon in the Hebrew Scriptures (in Deuteronomy 18:9-13, 4:19), God would still reveal himself to such sincere seekers (through the stars). This is in stark contrast to those “chief priests and scribes” who seem totally detached and completely disinterested … even complicit with Herod (despite their religion’s focus on the need for a Messiah). Here also is a reminder that even the most pagan of pagans, or un-Christian of non-Christian, may just respond to Jesus when given the opportunity!

So, the “wise men” were open … they were ready … they were responsive!! When their search was complete, they were “overwhelmed with joy”! Can we say that when we meet Jesus, we are “overwhelmed with joy”?? When are we likely to meet Jesus???

·        In the depth of our own need (for forgiveness and wholeness)

·        In the goodness, or in the need, of others

·        In the simple wonders of creation, and in the surprising miracles of life.

When they found Jesus, in the arms of his mother Mary, the “Magi” knelt down (it seems somewhat spontaneously and naturally), and did what they had come to do … pay Jesus “homage”. This means they completely respected Jesus, and worshipped him for who he was – acknowledging and honouring Jesus for who he would be in the world and what he would achieve in his kingly role! This is like what would be expected from followers of Jesus, both ancient and new!!

It was customary for those approaching a ‘monarch’ to offer a gift (a bit like today’s custom of giving flowers to the queen). Yet what we read in verse 11 seems to be more expansive … a spontaneous act of generosity. The “wise men” gave the best of what they had in their “treasure chests” – rich and valuable gifts. And those gifts of “gold, frankincense and myrrh” also seem to show deep understanding – here was a “king” to be worshipped, yet One whose glory would be most seen in his sacrifice and suffering. It was also customary for such a gift to be reciprocated! To the original reader, it would be evident that there was here a silent reference to a future reciprocation!! Possibly the only reciprocation that this poor family could offer at the time were sincere thanks, yet over Jesus’ lifetime, and ultimately in his death and resurrection, there would be the greatest gifts of all time.

Prayer:

The ‘wise men from the east’ journeyed a long way and went to endless trouble to track you down Jesus;

And they were open, ready and responsive enough to worship you with everything they had.

Thank you Lord – that all those who truly seek you will really find you;

And they will receive your grace to meet all of their need. Amen!