Is. 62:1-5; Acts 13:16-17, 22-25; Mt. 1:1-25
About a week before Christmas a
family bought a new nativity scene. When they unpacked it they found 2 figures
of the Baby Jesus. "Someone must have packed this wrong," the mother
said, counting out the figures. "We have one Joseph, one Mary, three wise
men, three
shepherds, two lambs, a donkey, a cow, an angel and two babies. Oh, dear! I suppose someone is missing the Baby Jesus because we have 2."
shepherds, two lambs, a donkey, a cow, an angel and two babies. Oh, dear! I suppose someone is missing the Baby Jesus because we have 2."
The mother rang up to the store and told the manager to put a sign on the remaining boxes saying that if a set is missing a Baby Jesus, call this number.
The manager of the store copied down mother's message and the next time they were in the store they saw the cardboard sign that read, "If you're missing Baby Jesus, call this number." All week long they waited for someone to call. Surely, they thought, someone was missing that important figurine.
One day evening the phone rang. Father yelled "answer the phone and tell them we found a home for Jesus." But it was mother calling with instructions to come to 205 Chestnut Street immediately, and bring three blankets, a box of cookies and some milk. It was too cold probably below 20 out there. And the wind was picking up. Still they went.
They got to the house at 205 Chestnut Street. It was the darkest one on the block. Only one tiny light burned in the living room and, the moment they set foot on the porch steps, the mother opened the door and shouted, "They're here, oh thank God you got here, Ray! You kids take those blankets into the living room and wrap up the little ones on the couch. I'll take the milk and cookies."
They saw there a mother and three
children. The children's mother explained that she had been doing washing and
ironing for people. She saw their number every day there, on those boxes on the
counter. When the furnace went out, that number kept going through her mind.
She said I'm not missing Jesus. But I am missing heat. I have no money to fix
that furnace."
Mother came into the living room carrying a plate of cookies and warm milk. As she set the cups down on the coffee table, they noticed the figure of Baby Jesus lying in the centre of the table. It was the only sign of Christmas in the house. The children stared wide-eyed with wonder at the plate of cookies mother set before them.
Mother came into the living room carrying a plate of cookies and warm milk. As she set the cups down on the coffee table, they noticed the figure of Baby Jesus lying in the centre of the table. It was the only sign of Christmas in the house. The children stared wide-eyed with wonder at the plate of cookies mother set before them.
Jesus came to this world at a time when
the world had pressing problems. Jesus' society knew great pain and oppression.
For thousands of years, the Jewish people were primarily subject to foreign
rule. Corrupt tax collectors burdened the people. The Jews held much
distrust and often hatred for the Roman Empire – they were unwilling
subjects. The Jewish religious and governing system was divided between
two parties. Some religious leaders even sanctioned physical beating of
Jewish citizens participating in compulsory religious duties. Joseph and
Mary faced many troubles too. Joseph and his pregnant wife Mary travelled
a long distance to Bethlehem to register for a census but could not obtain
proper lodging. Into this world of problems Jesus came with the message of
Peace and Joy. For two millennia, people have told of the child in a Bethlehem
manger; of angels who announced his birth to shepherds; of learned men who travelled
a great distance to see him.
Christmas carollers sing of "peace
and joy on earth." Greeting cards extol peace and joy, families desire
peace and joy.
The Christmas story brings a message of
peace that can soothe anxious hearts and calm interpersonal strife.
· When Jesus was born the
angels announced peace and joy. The Christmas angel announced to some
shepherds, "'Don't be afraid! . . . I bring you good news of great joy for
everyone! The Saviour—yes, the Messiah, the Lord—has been born tonight in
Bethlehem, the city of David!" A crowd of angels then appeared
praising God and proclaiming peace among people of good will.
· When Jesus was born the
universe announced peace and joy. A strange star appeared in the heavens.
· When Jesus was born the
whole creation announced peace and joy. The shepherds came with
their sheep to see the child. Kings travelled from the ends of the earth
to worship the child.
Today once again Christmas has come
announcing peace and joy to the world. Our world is not different from
the time of Jesus. Our society is not different from that of Jesus. Our families
are not different from that of Jesus. If the birth of Jesus could promise
peace and joy to his times, it can do it now too. Christmas has relevance today
as a story of Peace and Goodwill.
Christmas is also a Story of Family.
Christmas is a time for family gatherings. This interaction can bring great
joy. Joseph and Mary had their share of family challenges. Consider their
circumstances. The historical accounts indicate that Joseph's fiancée became
pregnant though she was a virgin. Mary believed an angel told her she was
pregnant by God. Joseph followed instructions and cared for his family.
His continuing commitment to Mary and Jesus played a significant part in the
boy's birth and early childhood. With God's help, the family overcame major
obstacles. And so can our family overcome all obstacles if we stand together.
Christmas is a Story of Humility.
When kings, presidents, and other rulers appear in public, great pomp often
ensues. From a biblical perspective, God came first not as a ruling king but as
a servant, a baby born in humble circumstances. His becoming human helps humans
identify with Him. St. Paul wrote of the humility Jesus displayed by becoming
human. "Though he was God, he did not demand and cling to his rights as
God. He made himself nothing; he took the humble position of a slave and
appeared in human form. And in human form he obediently humbled himself even
further by dying a criminal's death on a cross. Because of this, God raised him
up to the heights of heaven.
Christmas is a Story that was foretold.
There are numerous prophecies written many years before the birth of Jesus.
The Hebrew writer Micah told around 700 BC of deliverance through a coming
Messiah or "Anointed One" from Bethlehem. Isaiah, writing
around 700 BC, foretold that the Messiah would be born of a virgin. He wrote,
"The Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and
will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel."
There are also many prophecies concerning
the Messiah's lineage, betrayal, suffering, execution, and resurrection.
Above all Christmas is a Story of Love.
Jesus' followers taught that His conception and birth were part of a divine
plan to bring us genuine peace, inner freedom, and self-respect. They believed
the biblical God wants us to enjoy friendship with Him, and meaning and
purpose. Jesus explained, "God so loved the world that he gave his only
Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal
life."
Dear brothers and sisters Christmas is
meant to celebrate peace and joy. Amidst the busy shopping, parties, presents,
and fun, remember that the Prince of Peace came to spread peace and joy to all.
Like the little family that wanted to send him statue of baby Jesus to the
missing box, Let us be messengers of peace and joy around us.
Satish