Scriptures
Luke 2:1-20; John 1:9-14
For reflection
This is the official day for gift giving and receiving. After anticipation of Advent and “I can hardly wait” eagerness of children (and some of us adults, too), Christmas arrives. What gift will you – or did you – open first? What are your feelings after the last gift has been opened?
Of all the gifts our loved ones give us, there is a gift that is before and after them. It is the occasion of every other gift. It is a gift that is the more-than-gifts-can-express, heart-felt intent behind every gift. Our “true love,” who is none other than God, gives us the Gift – Jesus Christ.
Do you ever wonder about such things? It is so beyond us that we can’t rationally fathom it. We will be exploring it for a lifetime; we get to live these questions, to enter into the mystery. But for now, for this day, at least, can we accept the Good News told by angels? Can we just revel in it, wonder, ponder?
If it is strange mystery, the Incarnation is also a compelling attraction. Those who get the chance to hear the story – stark as angels appearing in the sky to shepherds – are drawn to the child in the manger. Hearing, we, too, can decide to hasten near to the manger…to adore. Adore. Half giddy cooing like a grandparent over an infant; half prostrate-falling worship in the presence of sheer Power, sheer Love.
Today’s gift is a “partridge in a pear tree.” The image is of a mother partridge feigning death in the presence of an intruder in order to draw attention away from her vulnerable chicks. The Gift in the manger would one day lay down his life for poor ornery people like you and like I. That, too, is part of the strange mystery and the compelling attraction.
This is a busy day. I hope it's not too busy to take a few moments to step outside, away from the wonderful noises and traditions. Break away briefly. Wander out under the sky. Quiet yourself. Wonder about the Incarnation. You don’t have to have answers for all the questions. Asking about them is itself entering into the mystery. And, before you head back in, find a way to offer simple thanks for it, for the Gift.
Song
“A Strange Way to Save the World” by 4 Him
I’m sure he must have been surprised
At where this road had taken him,
But never in a million lives
Would he have dreamed of Bethlehem.
And standing at the manger
He saw with his own eyes
The message from the angel come alive.
Refrain
And Joseph said
“Why me? I’m just a simple man of trade.
Why him? Of all the rulers in the world.
Why here? Beside this stable filled with hay.
Why her? She’s just an ordinary girl.
Now, I’m not one to second-guess
What angels have to say,
But this is such a strange way
To save the world.”
To think of how it could have been
If Jesus had come as he deserved,
There would’ve been no Bethlehem
No lowly shepherds at his birth.
But Joseph knew the reason
Love had to reach so far
And as he held the Savior in his arms
Refrain
Journaling/prayer possibilities
What does it mean to me to “adore Him?” What issues tend to hinder my freedom to “adore Him?” Busyness? Guilt? Shame? Feelings of distance or ambivalence? Cynicism? Name your hindrances. Then prayerfully let go of this baggage for today. Express adoration, or whatever is in your heart as you let your pen wander over the wonder of the Gift.
Carol
“O Come, All Ye Faithful”
Benediction
“O God, my Father, I thank You that when all other ways were inadequate You opened the way to us. When we couldn’t come to You, You came to us, came to us in lowly form, human form. And now we can come to You through the Way. Amen.” (E. Stanley Jones in The Word Became Flesh)
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