Is 52:7-10; Heb 1:1-6; John 1:1-18
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."
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
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