Isaiah 9:1-6
Titus2:11-14
Luke 2:1-14
Even as the last notes of Joy to the World echo in my ears and the delight in the faces of my grandchildren fill my heart I can't help thinking of another image of Christmas. I know tomorrow morning I will drive down the alley and see discarded Christmas trees. For many people Christmas ends on the 26th. I wonder if the same is true for some of us. And I wonder further if that might, in some ways, be a good thing.
Nathan Mitchell writes, "Christmas does not ask us to pretend we were back in Bethlehem, kneeling before a crib . . ." If that is our understanding of Christmas it is good that we discard its symbols so quickly.
Instead, Christmas asks much more of us. The readings invite us to explore a deeper reality. "The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light," proclaims Isaiah. "The grace of God has appeared, saving all.. . " Paul announces. "Do not be afraid," shout the angels, "I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people."
The richness of these images calls us to go beyond the twinkling lights to discover the Great Light. The crèche we set up in our homes cannot contain the abundant grace of the God who has appeared to save us all. The beautiful angels bring us more than good news. If not, why would they begin with "Do not be afraid?" So how should be approach this season?
Again, Nathan Mitchell leads us to a new understanding when he writes, "What the parish celebrates during this season is not primarily a birthday, but the beginning of a decisive new phase in the tempestuous history of God's hunger for human companions."
What an evocative word, "tempestuous!" Its meanings are varied. Passionate. Why else would God become one of us if not out of passionate love? Turbulent. Throughout salvation history God's intervention is never easy or simple. It comes most often to rouse a weary people, to discomfort the powerful, to proclaim the beginning of something new. Intense and uncontrolled. When God enters our lives the Spirit moves us where it will. What we experience moves from the mundane to the intense reality of the in-breaking of God's reign. And we are called to be part of this-as receivers and givers.
And why would this eternal God seek our companionship? To invite us to continue to bring about the reign of God begun so long ago in Bethlehem. To sing with Mary in her Magnificat, "The Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name." Now we are called to do great things in God's name. To work, as Jesus did, to free the oppressed, feed the hungry, bring about the peace that only God can give, contribute to the making of a new heaven and a new earth.
The word that contains the truest meaning of Christmas for me is, "Emmanuel" God with us. That is true on Christmas day and every day of the year. When the lights are down, when the trees are gone, when the gifts are all given and received there remains that incredible hunger of God to be with us. If that is the meaning of Christmas I wish you all a very blessed Christmas until Christ comes again.
Christine Ondrla is the Director of Religious Education at Ascension Parish. She is the mother of three and grandmother of seven. She has been celebrating Christmas for many years.
