Reading:
Luke 2:1-20
December 24, 2002
The Rev. Karen Siegfriedt
St. Jude the Apostle Episcopal Church, Cupertino,
CA
In his book, Living from the Heart, Alan Cohen describes the traditions of a particular tribe in Africa. When a woman in this African tribe knows that she is pregnant, she goes out into the wilderness with a few friends. Together, they pray and meditate until they hear the song of the child who is to be born. They recognize that every soul has its own vibration that expresses its unique flavor and purpose. When the women attune to the song, they sing it out loud. Then they return to the tribe and teach it to everyone else.
When the child is born, the community gathers together and sings the child's song to him or her. Later, when the child enters school, the village gathers and chants the child's song. When the child passes through the initiation to adulthood, the people again come together and sing. At the time of marriage, the person hears the song. Finally, when the soul is about to pass from this world, the family and friends gather at the person's bed, just as they did at their birth, and they sing the person to the next life.
In this African tribe, there is one other occasion upon which the villagers sing to the child. If at any time during his or her life, the person commits a crime or engages in anti-social behavior, the individual is called to the center of the village and the people in the community form a circle around the person. The tribe recognizes that the correction for antisocial behavior is not punishment. It is love and remembrance of identity. When people recognize their own song, they have no desire or need to do anything that would hurt them or others.
There is a place in each one of us where the thought of sin has never touched. This is where the song of God resides. This song reminds us of our true identity; an identity that is far greater than our wounded and fearful personality. And so we gather together on this holy evening of Christmas to celebrate the birth of our Savior, Jesus Christ and to hear this song sung once again.
Jesus came to people who lived in darkness. Poverty, violence, hatred, exploitation, and hunger were all around. Through his words, works, and spirit, he challenged the status quo. He taught the people to sing a different song; a song that reminded them of their true identity as children of God. This song began to pierce through the silence and darkness that kept humankind alienated. It is this song, the song that Prince of Peace has taught us, that will ultimately make us whole. It is a song that reaches into the depth of our true self; into the depth of our conscience. This song reminds us that forgiveness, generosity, sacrifice, compassion, repentance, and holy living are the way, the truth, and the life.
This song opens our heart to respond to the poor, the needy, the suffering, and the oppressed. And because of its notes, it is a song of hope; hope of a time when the oldest of enemies become the 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. At the core of the Christmas story is this song of hope.
As our nation begins to prepare for war, we need more than ever to sing this song. There are so many people and political movements who turn a deaf ear to this song. These are the fearful, the power-hungry, the greedy, and the spiritually blind. In their ignorance and deafness, they try to extinguish the Light that has come into the world. They try to corrupt and destroy the creatures of God. But like all tragic movements and moments in history, they will not be successful. The Light has come into the world and the darkness will not overcome it.
And so from time to time, we gather together as a community of faith to hear the song in order to remember who we are. So on this Christmas Eve, open your heart to the prayers, the readings, and the music. Listen carefully to the song that is being sung in your heart. And then allow that peace which passes all understanding to fill your heart and mind in the knowledge and love of God, who was shown to us in the person of Jesus. Glory to God in the highest and peace to all people on earth.
| Updated 1/5/03 |
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