Readings: Is.9:2-7; Lk. 2:1-14
Christmas Eve/A
December 24, 2001
The Rev. Karen Siegfriedt
St. Jude the Apostle Church, Cupertino, CA
"For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given.and his name will be called "Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9)
Several years ago, an anthropologist was in the barren desert Mesa, interviewing the Hopi Indians. When he saw the Indians praying, he asked his guide what they were praying for. The guide told him they were praying for water. Then the anthropologist heard the Indians singing and he asked his guide what they were singing about. The guide told him they were singing about water. Then the anthropologist observed an elaborate ritualistic dance and asked his guide what the ritual was about. The answer- water. At this point in the interview, the anthropologist became frustrated and wanted to know if this tribe of Indians did anything else except pray, dance, and sing for water. The guide explained to him that there was not much water out in the desert and since water is so important for survival, their prayers, songs, and rituals focused on water. The Indian guide then turned to the anthropologist and said: "I've noticed in listening to American music, that almost every song is about love. Is that because you don't have very much of it?"
Tonight we celebrate the feast day of the Prince of Peace, the messenger of hope, the teacher and spirit of Love. If we do not experience enough love in our lives or in the world today, perhaps it is because we have not made "love" our focus. Perhaps we are looking for love in all the wrong places. Perhaps we have forgotten the true meaning of the Christmas Story. As you recall, Jesus was born during a time when Palestine was under Roman domination, when Caesar Augustus was emperor. There was actually peace in the Middle East at that time although it was Caesar's peace, not God's peace. Caesar kept the peace through military might, scare tactics, suppression of human rights, and elimination of independent thought and action. This kind of "peace" is not really peace at all. We can confirm its temporary nature by watching the current turmoil in the Middle East. Now, 2000 years later, the city of Bethlehem is experiencing great conflict and pain. The city is under a 24hr/day curfew. Boarders are restricted such that preganant women who try to come into the city's hospital to be delivered are turned away. This is not God's vision for us!
God has a different vision for this world. It is a vision where all creation is made new; when humans and non-humans are gathered together in thanksgiving and singing and rejoicing. It is a vision when nation will not lift up sword against nation; neither shall they learn war any more. (Is. 2) It is a vision when the oldest of enemies become best of friends; when the wolf shall live with the lamb, the leopard lie down with the kid, and a little child shall lead them. (Is. 11) It is a vision of a time when healing and compassion become the dominant themes such that the hungry are fed, the sick are healed, the lowly are lifted up, and those who live in fear are offered peace. (Lk. 1, Mt. 11) It is this vision that is at the core of the Christmas story.
In the person of Jesus, we have heard and seen the words and works of God. We now know with certainty, a path that will lead to God's vision of this world. It is the path of love, peace, justice, forgiveness, mercy, generosity, inclusivity and righteousness. And is through this path that God's vision can be realized. The challenge that remains for us today, is not to find the path but rather to make the decision to walk on this path into the Light or to walk a different path into the darkness. When we were choosing the music for this service, the choirmaster debated whether or not to sing the hymn "O Little Town of Bethlehem." This hymn speaks of a time when Bethlehem was a place of peace and stillness. He felt that since the city is now under siege, perhaps we should not sing it. But I say "sing it!" We sing this hymn with confidence because the Christmas story is a story of hope; a story of what is possible in spite of what is. The Christmas story is a story of love; a story that has the potential of enlarging the human heart with compassion. The Christmas story is a story of peace; a story that calls us to reorder social, political, and economic structures so that all people can live in dignity and peace. If this Story is your story, then you share God's vision for this world. And when we embrace the true Christmas story, we experience the gifts of Christmas: love, hope, joy, and peace.
So may the God of LOVE who has begun a good work in you, direct and uphold you in the service of Christ so that God's vision may be realized. Glory to God in the highest and peace to all people on earth!
| Updated 12/28/01 |
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