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Archives: Whose Birthday Is It, Anyway? #6

Reflections and Worship for Christmas and Advent

Table of Contents

Reflections for Advent and the Christmas Season

Reflections for Advent and the Christmas Season

O Come, O Come, Emmanuel

INTRODUCTION:

Without calendars there's no telling how disorganized our lives would be. They add the structure that binds together day-to-day living. The school calendar is one example. In late August or early September the new school year begins and summer vacation is over. To help students get ready to start a new school year we have created periods of orientation. When June arrives schooling comes to an end. We celebrate this event with ceremonies of graduation or (hopefully) promotion.

Our churches have also created calendars to guide and teach us in the mysteries of our faith. Within these calendars there are holidays or feasts for celebrating important events. In addition, there are periods of orientation to help us prepare for and to understand the importance of these events.

Christmas Day has been part of Christian calendars for more than sixteen centuries. Each year a billion people stop what they are doing to remember the birth of Jesus. Christmas is celebrated on every continent and on islands in every ocean around the world.

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Advent

Advent, too, is part of that calendar, not as a holiday or feast but as a time of preparation. In a sense it is our orientation into the Christmas season. We often feel frustrated over how commercialized Christmas has become. Advent offers us time to de-commercialize our lives. By observing Advent we can actively make and follow the plans needed to orient our households and our lives towards the One whose birthday we will celebrate.

No one knows for sure when Advent was first observed. It appears that fifth century Gaul (currently France, Belgium and Luxembourg) was the place of its origin. It also seems likely that Advent was modeled after Lent. Advent, then, is more a time of thoughtful repentance than it is "that time allotted us to get our Christmas shopping done."

Advent has two purposes: to prepare us for celebrating the birth of Jesus and to make us look ahead to the second coming. Advent is a season that can draw upon both our practical abilities to plan and make ready and also upon our imagination as we think to the future.

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From Christmas Day to Epiphany

In much of North America, Christmas ends as soon as the dinner dishes are cleared. We have come to mark the end of Christmas by discarding things: the Christmas tree, table scraps and mountains of used wrapping paper. The post Christmas season begins when we hit the shopping malls to return unwanted gifts or to take advantage of the numerous sales. In reality, though, Christmas does not end on December 25th.

The season of Christmas has twelve days and actually ends on Epiphany. Remember the carol, "On the twelve days of Christmas, my true love gave to me . . . ." These extra days offer opportunities to learn about other events associated with Jesus' birth. By observing the entire Christmas season we can better understand what it means for Christ to be "living among us" (John 1:14).

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Epiphany

While Mary, Joseph and the newly born Jesus were still in Bethlehem they had a visit from a group of "wise men" or magi (Matthew 2:1-12). Through the centuries this event has come to signify the revealing of Jesus as messiah to the world. Epiphany (January 6th) is the day set aside to remember this visit. The name Epiphany has its root in the Greek word meaning to show. In North America this holiday (or feast) has become almost completely overshadowed by Christmas Day.

By seeing how Epiphany relates to Advent and Christmas day, we can better understand what it is all about. As was described earlier, part of the purpose of Advent is to help us get ready for what theologians call the "First Advent" (or the incarnation of God in Christ). And on Christmas Day we celebrate the birth of Jesus as the fulfillment of that promise. Then on Epiphany we celebrate God giving us a glimpse of who Jesus is: through the magi seeking the One whom the prophets spoke of.

What marks the close of the Christmas season is not the disposal of waste, but instead a celebration of the introduction of the Messiah to the world.

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Using These Sessions

The season of Advent through Epiphany has a long and rich history. The reflections, services and activities in this booklet are designed to help you incorporate this tradition within your household. Using this booklet you will read Bible passages and thoughtful reflections beginning the first week of Advent and ending with Epiphany. You will pray, sing, light Advent candles and share in some activities. In the process, we hope that you and those in your household will come to understand the "meaning of the season" and the coming of Jesus into your lives as never before!

Before Advent begins, set aside time each week when you will observe these sessions with your household, with a small group of friends or by yourself. You can invite those who might be alone to gather with your group as well.

If you do not have an Advent wreath, you will need to make one before the first week of Advent. Take a large flat shallow bowl (at least 9 inches in diameter) and fill it with sand or coarse salt. Place four purple candles around the outside with a large white candle in the center. Stick them down into the sand or salt so that they are securely in place. Make a circle of evergreens and place them around the bowl.

As you begin each session, gather around your Advent wreath. Make sure you have a Bible and matches readily available. You may wish to begin by reading the Bible verses and the reflection by Justo González aloud. Then move on to the particular day's service and activities. You can adapt each session to meet the needs of your particular group.

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About the Authors

Reflections were written by Justo González. Dr. González, a native of Havana, Cuba, is an ordained United Methodist minister and church historian. He has also served on Alternatives' Board of Directors.

Services were written by Catherine González, an ordained Presbyterian minister and professor of church history at Columbia Theological Seminary.

Activities were written by Jackie Smith, Interim Associate for Corporate Witness in the Social Justice and Peacemaking in Ministry Unit of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).

Bible references are from the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV). In some cases, we have included words in brackets to provide inclusive language. [ ]

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 FIRST WEEK OF ADVENT

The Future Is God's

FIRST WEEK OF ADVENT: Isaiah 63:16 - 64:8, Mark 13:32-37

REFLECTION

These are strange texts to be studying this week. All around us, things are bustling with Christmas preparations. Days may grow shorter and the sun may seem to lose its heat and intensity; but streets and stores are bright with Christmas lights. Nature may prepare for its quiet winter sleep; but many people prepare for late night parties. One does not have to join the consumer frenzy of the shopping season to rejoice: Christmas is coming! Even apart from the religious meaning of the season, it is a time of genuine joy, for families get together, people try to be nice to each other, and friendships are renewed through greeting cards and phone calls.

And now, just as everyone around us is beginning to celebrate, come these jarring texts - jarring, not so much in themselves, but because they seem to have nothing to do with the season. One speaks of the pain and hope of a people in exile. The other, about the "second coming" of Jesus. Once again, the church seems to be out of touch! We are supposed to be preparing for Christmas. What do these texts have to do with anything?

There are historical and theological reasons why we study these texts this week. Historically, Advent began as a season of preparation, not so much for the coming of Christ in Christmas, as for his coming in glory. The end of the year, when days grew shorter and nights longer, seemed an appropriate time to remember that Christ has commanded his church to keep awake in expectation of the coming Reign of God.

Eventually, as the birth of Jesus came to be celebrated towards the end of this season, the season itself became a time of preparation for that birth. It is partially as a vestige of that history that to this day the First Sunday in Advent is a time to ponder the meaning of Jesus' promise - that he would come again, and that God's Reign would come to fruition.

The text from Isaiah speaks of the pain of exile - a pain so deep that the poet feels forsaken by his ancestors. At that point, all that remains is trust in God's promises and in God's final victory. "For thou art our Father [Parent], though Abraham does not know us and Israel does not acknowledge us." The text in Mark reassures us that, no matter how painful the waiting may be, that victory shall surely come.

Theologically, this expectation of a different order is fundamental to the meaning of Christmas. Christmas is not only the celebration of a birth in the past; It is also the celebration of the future whose birth God has promised.

Nothing worries us as much as the future. Indeed, all worry is about the future. Is our job secure? Will we be able to afford our children's education? Will our resources last through our retirement? Will we be able to save the environment before it is too late? Will the turkey be too dry? Will Uncle Joe like the present we got for him? As the familiar parable asks, have we built big enough barns?

What this first Sunday in Advent tells us is that, after all, the future is not in our hands. We have a responsibility, yes, like the doorkeeper in the text from Mark. We must not continue polluting the earth, for we are like the doorkeeper who will have to render an account. We must still study for exams, save for retirement, and thaw the turkey. However, no matter how much we shore up for the future, or prepare against it, the future is not ours. It is God's. And, even though we might not think so now, that is a word of joy and of hope!

These texts sound a jarring note in the midst of all our Christmas carols. But that note is important. It reminds us that as Christians we march to a different tune - one which the world may not hear, but which we know is the song of the future!

Questions to Ponder:

SERVICE

Reader:
We are gathered as God's People, and the words spoken by the prophet Isaiah can be our words as well: We have long been like those whom you do not rule, like those not called by your name. (Isaiah 63:19)

As we begin our time of worship this Advent season, let us meditate in silence for a moment on these words. How are we, as a group, like those who do not believe God is indeed the ruler of our lives? (Silent reflection for a minute or two.) Let's share what we have thought about. (Participants share how behavior as a family or as a group has not shown our faith.)

Reader:
Advent is a time when we open our lives to God's judgment so that we can be ready to receive Christ again in a fuller way at Christmas time. God knows us better than we know ourselves, and this time of Advent is given for our sake, so that we can grow in our faith and in our life together.

Lighting the Candle
Reader:
We light this candle as a sign of our desire to welcome God into our lives, and to prepare ourselves for Christmas. (Light the first Advent candle.)
Prayer
O God, you are calling us to yourself even in the midst of the busyness of our lives and of the world around us. You call us to turn to you with our fears and our anxieties, for you have promised to be with us and to guide us. Let us heed your call this Advent season, and seek to be your people more completely. Amen.

ACTIVITIES

1. The activities for this week and following weeks are planned around a central theme--that of preparing a place or nest in our hearts by giving Christ a larger dwelling place in our lives. Read the poem in the box at right.

There is an old tradition which fits with our theme of preparing a "nest." The tradition calls for children to make a small manger to receive the Christ babe on Christmas Eve. During the weeks before Christmas children place a piece of straw in the manger each time they express kindness to one another as a gift to the Christ Child. On Christmas Eve the manger is full of straw to welcome and comfort a tiny figure of the babe.

Make a simple manger by gluing popsicle sticks together. Explain to the group that the manger is an object to remind them that they are preparing a larger dwelling place for Christ in their hearts. Throughout Advent, when a person from the group does a kind deed, they should place a piece of straw in the manger.

2. Consider: How can we make a more secure "nest" in our lives for God? Reflect on what it might mean to provide a larger dwelling place for Christ. Commit to specific attitudes and actions during Advent. Use the Commitment to Resist the Consumer Christmas on page 4.

 

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SECOND WEEK OF ADVENT

Comfort in God's Promise

SECOND WEEK OF ADVENT: Isaiah 40:1-11, Mark 1:1-8

REFLECTION

Now we are in business! Unlike the texts for last week, these really have to do with the coming of Jesus in Christmas. Mark does not include any stories of the Nativity, but we draw from Luke that the very birth of John the Baptist was an anticipation of the birth of Jesus. In any case, all four Gospels depict John as Jesus' forerunner, the one whose preaching opened the way for the ministry of Jesus. Therefore, as we read about John's preaching we immediately look forward to the story of Jesus himself.

John the Baptist, however, does not speak of a sweet delicate baby in a manger. He speaks rather of one who demands repentance, and who is, as John says, "more powerful than I." John does not prepare the way of Jesus with soft romantic words, or with pretty sights of tinsel and snow. John proclaims and demands "repentance for the forgiveness of sins."

Repentance is much more than remorse. To repent is not simply to say, "I'm sorry." It is not even to say such words to God: "God, I'm sorry." The word in the New Testament that is usually translated as "repentance" really means to change one's mind. But even that phrase does not convey the proper meaning, for we confuse the "mind" with opinions, and say, "I have changed my mind" when all we mean is that our opinion has changed. To repent means to have a new mind. It means to think and to act differently, not just because one is sorry for the past, or because one has learned a lesson, but because one's mind, one's very life is different. In the Bible, this is often depicted in terms of the gods ones serves and follows. To repent means to turn away from the idols, and to worship the true God.

In terms of last week's images, to repent means to march to a different tune. To repent means to live today out of God's promised future. And that is the only way to prepare for the coming of Christ!

On the other hand, the reading from Isaiah is a passage of comfort and joy (words made familiar by an old Christmas hymn). The prophet is commanded to "speak tenderly to Jerusalem." Yet this is not a romantic tenderness. It is a tenderness that takes into account life's pain and futility: read again verses 6-8. All people are like grass that withers or like flowers that fade, "but the word of our God will stand forever."

The prophet's word of comfort is based on God's faithfulness. Even in the midst of their exile, the people of God are comforted and can rejoice, because they hear a different tune. All around them may be pain and suffering; but God speaks a word of comfort. All around them grass fades and flowers wither; but the word of God stands forever. While the world may hear nothing but plaintive songs of pain, the prophet calls the people of God to hear a different tune: the joyful, comforting tune of God's promise. Odd as it might sound, the prophet's call is a call to repentance, to a change of mind, to listen to the joyful tune of God rather than the dreary tunes of the world.

"Prepare the way of the Lord [Sovereign]," says the Gospel. How do we prepare the way of the Sovereign this Advent season? Is it not, as we saw last week, by listening for God's tune beyond the noise of the carols and the jingles, and being ready to march to a different tune?

Questions to Ponder:

SERVICE

Reader:
If there is any single phrase that points to the meaning of Advent, it is the words, "Prepare the way of the Lord [Sovereign]." John the Baptist echoes the words of Isaiah. It is also clear how we are to prepare the way: by repentance, by turning back to the ways of righteousness, by turning away from the ways of evil and injustice. What is also clear is that repentance prepares us for God's action, God's coming amongst us with forgiveness and the promise of a new beginning. Turning from evil, yearning for a new start--these are the ways we prepare in our lives for the joyful coming of God into our midst.

As a sign of our desire to prepare for the coming of God in our midst, we offer these commitments: (read the Commitment to Resist the Consumer Christmas on page 4).

Lighting the Candles
Relight the first Advent candle and light the second candle as everyone sings or reads the first two verses of O Come, O Come, Emmanuel (the second begins, "O come, thou Dayspring...").

Prayer
O God, you seek for us far greater good than we can imagine for ourselves. So often we seek our own good without regard for the good of the whole world. Yet your desire is for good for your whole creation. In this Advent season, turn us from our own ways to your way, so that we can be part of that new beginning you intend for all of creation. Amen.

ACTIVITIES

1. Read the reflection for this week. Then read Proverbs 29:18. Ponder or discuss God's vision of Shalom for us and the whole creation. Consider what you can start doing during Advent to begin living today out of God's vision for all of life.

2. Read Isaiah 40:1, 11 and 28-31. Discuss the meaning of the word "comfort." A central way God's comfort is given to those in need--the powerless, sick, weary, etc.--is through other people who show God's love. God's servants are called to "feed the flock." They become God's arms to "carry the lambs." List persons you can share comfort with. Consider those who are ill, shut-ins, persons who are suffering grief or loss, the homeless, members of a broken family, newcomers to the community, international people, etc. If you do not know anyone, phone your church office for suggestions. Make plans for at least one "comfort" visit this week. Consider taking homemade gifts, cookies, pictures, tree ornaments, etc.

3. Take a walk in a park, wooded area, or simply around your neighborhood. Let it be a slow meditative one with all senses alert, taking in the wonder of God's world. Really look at the trees! Look for birds' nests or other animals' winter homes. Center conversation or thought around the connectedness of all that is and our role as caretakers who are called to help heal the brokenness we have caused in the natural world. As you return, offer prayers of thanksgiving.

4. Talk about the straw you placed in the manger this week. How are you preparing a "nest" for Jesus?

 

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THIRD WEEK OF ADVENT: 

Finding Joy in Christmas

THIRD WEEK OF ADVENT:  Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11, John 1:6-8, 19-28

REFLECTION

The Third Sunday in Advent has traditionally been called "Gaudate (rejoice) Sunday," because the medieval order of worship for that day began with that word. In those churches whose services include a canticle, the one for this day is usually Mary's song, which begins with the words: "My soul magnifies the Lord [Sovereign], and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior." And the Epistle for this Third Sunday in Advent is 1 Thessalonians 5:16-24, beginning: "Rejoice always . . . ."

As we approach Christmas, the mood must be one of increasing joy. It is important for Christians to be reminded of this, for sometimes we are so incensed at the commercialization of this holy day that we miss its joy. Incensed we should be, for there is much in the modern celebration of Christmas that is contrary to the very message of Jesus. Trying to buy a gift that looks more expensive than it really is, or to find something for someone who "has everything," is a far cry from the proper celebration of the birth of Jesus. Yet, we must take care lest, in a literal application of a common metaphor, we "throw away the baby with the bath water."

Christmas is a time of joy. It is a time of joy, not because we receive and give gifts or because we get to eat our favorite foods, but because in it humankind's deepest yearnings are fulfilled. As the old hymn says of the little town of Bethlehem, "the hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight."

This is the theme of the text from Isaiah, which deals precisely with God's response to human yearning for freedom, gladness and justice. As we know, the Gospel of Luke tells us that Jesus applied these words from Isaiah to himself when he was given the scroll to read at the synagogue. Indeed, this is what the coming of Jesus is all about: good news to the poor, binding up for the brokenhearted, liberty to the captives, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and the mantle of praise instead of a faint spirit. And all of this is based on the very being of God, "For I the Lord [Sovereign] love justice, I hate robbery and wrongdoing."

We have reason to be incensed at much of the "celebration" that goes by the name of "Christmas," because it is a celebration of a god other than this God who loves justice and hates robbery and wrongdoing. The problem with our consumerism is not just that it shifts attention away from religious celebrations; The problem is also and foremost that our consumerism shifts attention from those for whom this celebration should be good news: the poor, the oppressed, the captive and the mournful. Instead of announcing good news to those who most need it, this so-called "Christmas" announces good news to those who "have everything." It ignores the injustices perpetrated by our insatiable consumerism.

However, we also have reason to rejoice. We rejoice because, even now when all around us seems to be cheap glitter and empty sentimentalism, the God who gave us Jesus is still the God who loves justice and hates robbery and wrongdoing. This is the same God whose word, as we saw last week, remains even after the grass withers, the flowers fade, and the Christmas tree is thrown on the trash heap.

Questions to Ponder:

SERVICE

Reader:
Our first two Sundays in Advent stressed the judgment of God, and the need for repentance and a new beginning. This Sunday begins the joyful message that God is indeed coming to bring that new beginning. This new beginning offers possibilities to those who have had no hope. Those who thought life was over for them can begin to look to the future with joy. Sometimes we may find ourselves the ones who need the message of joy and hope. Sometimes we may find ourselves the ones who need to bring this message to others who are without hope. Where do we find ourselves this Advent? In what ways do we feel discouraged and need hope? To whom are we trying to bring hope and joy? Let us think for a moment, and then share our thoughts. (Silent reflection for a minute or two, then share briefly.)

Lighting the Candles
Reader:
Read Isaiah 61:1-4. (Relight the first and second Advent candle and then light the third candle.)

Prayer
In this Advent season, O God, give us hearts filled with the joyful message of your salvation. In our own despair, give us hope; in our sadness, give us joy. Let us be your witnesses in a world that has so little real joy and real hope. Amen.

ACTIVITIES

1. Recall and share your fondest Christmas memory or tradition which called for a deep rejoicing and softened your heart for a fuller reception of Christ in your life. What was it about the event that caused such rejoicing? How can you experience and share that feeling today?

2. Make a list of 8-10 Christmas activities you have experienced that make you happy, which brought deep and lasting joy. If working with a group, make sure to record even the youngest child's remembrances. How did the activity enhance your Christmas celebrations? Was the activity kind to the earth? Respectful of other people? Is any activity related to the lure of commercialism? Which ones offer ways of celebrating Christmas that are more in keeping with the true meaning of the season?

3. Talk about some of the acts of kindness you have shared with others. How are you reaching out to others and in so doing preparing a "nest" for Christ? Gather around the manger and give thanks for the pieces of straw placed there this week.

 

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 FOURTH WEEK OF ADVENT

The Supreme Surprise

FOURTH WEEK OF ADVENT:  2 Samuel 7:1-16, Luke 1:26-38

REFLECTION

Christmas approaches. All is ready. We know who is coming to dinner, or where we are going to dinner. We have only a few days left to make sure that the gifts are all wrapped, the turkey in the freezer, the pies baked. If we plan right, there will be no surprises. As the commercial for a hotel chain says, "the best surprise is no surprise."

If that is the case, we are not really ready for Christmas, for Christmas is God's supreme surprise! Read again the text from Luke. Read it, not as someone who already knows the story, or as someone debating whether or not a virgin birth is possible. Read it simply as someone who has never heard the story before. Better still, read it as if you were Mary. It is a day like any other. You got up early, began going about your chores, and suddenly, with no warning, a stranger comes up to you and tells you that you are to have a child! No wonder Mary responds, "How can this be, since I am a virgin?" Mary is not ready. She is not physically ready, since she is a virgin. She is not emotionally ready, since her plans for the immediate future did not include a child. She is genuinely surprised. As a response to her puzzlement, the angel offers another surprise: "your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son." And, much to her credit, Mary, strong woman that she is, finds the strength to reply: "Here I am, the servant of God; let it be with me according to your word."

The text from 2 Samuel is also full of surprises. David thinks he is doing the right thing by promising the prophet Nathan that he will build a house for God. After all, David already has his palace. Should not God's house be at least as good as the king's? But, much to David's and Nathan's surprise, the word of God comes to the prophet: "I don't need you to build me a house (v. 7). It is I who will build you a house (v. 11). Your offspring will indeed build me a house, and I shall establish his throne forever (v. 13)." Even David, the great king, saw his plans cast aside by God's surprise!

When we put together the two texts, one from the Hebrew Scriptures and one from the New Testament, the surprise is even more striking. According to the Gospel writing, the promise made to David, which was partly fulfilled in Solomon, will now be realized in the unplanned and unexpected child conceived by an unmarried woman in Galilee!

And still we do not learn the lesson. We keep trying to box God in. No surprises, please! I've got it all figured out. The turkey has to go in the oven at seven a.m. in order to be ready on time. Uncle Joe will be pleased with his striped tie. In the evening the choir will sing the cantata they have been rehearsing for two months. This year Christmas will be on a Saturday. So the next day we'll sleep late.

But, what if? What if God chooses to surprise us this Christmas? What if, as we go about our chores, the word of God comes to us, "Greetings, favored one! God is with you"? What if we suddenly discover a new challenge to be met? What if God calls us to a new obedience? What if that bit of news on TV comes to challenge our complacency? What if?

Questions to Ponder:

SERVICE

Reader:
During the past few weeks we have contemplated judgment and repentance, new beginnings made possible by God. We can look to the future with joy and hope. Surely the future will be different from the past in a good way, leaving behind frustrations and the sinfulness that makes our lives seem useless or unfulfilled. But what will the future look like? We never know exactly what that new beginning will lead to--that is why it is really new. If we try to control the future, we will probably make it more like the past than we realize. Only God can bring us a truly new future. That God has done so and will continue to do so is the promise given to us at Christmas.

Lighting the Candles
As the four candles are lighted, sing together or read the Benedictus, the Canticle of Zechariah, which is set to music in many hymnals or is found in Luke 1:68-79.

Prayer
O God, as we enter the blessed season of Christmas, may the preparations we have made in Advent make us open to the newness you have brought into the world. Let it be for us a new beginning, that our lives may show forth the joy and the peace that you give to us. May our lives be a blessing to others, especially those who are without joy. This we ask in the name of Jesus, whose advent we celebrate. Amen.

ACTIVITIES

1. Think or talk about ways you have been surprised by friends, family members, yourself and God. Draw a picture or write a poem about one surprise. How might God surprise us this Christmas? How can we be open to that surprise?

2. Ask an adult or older child to prepare a guided imaginary journey with Jesus. Have everyone center down in quietness, then begin. The "guide" might say something like: "You are walking on a hot, dusty road in Galilee when suddenly you see water before you. It must be the sea of Galilee. As you approach, a small boat is reaching the shore and one of the men wading ashore is Jesus. He walks up to you, calls you by name, and asks you to walk with him. What do you say or do? How does he respond? Continue your time with him." The guide can use imagination to add more detail to the countryside, perhaps asking questions like, "As you walk along what do you hear, see, smell?" Pause for short periods after each appropriate sentence for imagination to do its miraculous work. After a long pause, have the group members ask Jesus, "Do you have any surprise for me?" Take a few more moments of silence and then let each share their imaginary visit.

3. Make specific plans to share God's surprise, Jesus, with those in need. Perhaps you can invite one or more of these persons to share in some of your Christmas celebrations. Don't forget to place straw in your manger to show how you are welcoming Jesus.

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CHRISTMAS EVE/DAY

He Came to His Own

CHRISTMAS EVE: Isaiah 52:7-10, John 1:1-18

REFLECTION

The day is finally here! Four weeks of Advent have brought us to this time of celebration. Throughout Advent, we were forced to confront weeks of commercial pressure. During these weeks, we had a hard struggle. We certainly wished to put Christ back into Christmas, and we tried to resist the pressure to turn the season into a shopping spree. We probably succeeded to a degree. But we also failed. Uncle Joe would have been mad if we had not bought him an expensive gift. He always buys costly gifts for everyone, and he just wouldn't understand. And the children! We talked with them about the true meaning of Christmas, and they seemed willing to go along. But peer pressure is so strong! We had to buy them something they could compare with what their friends got. And then there are all the people at the office. We never talk to them about Jesus. If we had told them that this year we planned to change our giving patterns because of Jesus, they would have decided that we were just cheapskates looking for an excuse.

So we compromised. And now we feel guilty. Modern life is too complicated, too ambiguous to hold on to lofty ideals. Perhaps if we had lived at some other time . . . Perhaps if we could see Jesus himself . . . .

But no. As we read the Bible we discover that such ambiguities and failures have always been part of human history. Jesus came to a people that had long awaited him; but it was also a people who had repeatedly been unfaithful. The passage of Isaiah speaks of good news that came to Israel in ancient times. It was good news that called for a response of grateful obedience. Yet that response was not always there. Even when the people of Israel were obedient, their light often flickered.

Then Jesus came, the ultimate good news. And people responded in faith. But people also responded in doubt and even enmity. As John says, he came to what was his own, and his own people did not receive him. It would be easy to lay that charge on the people of Israel. In fact, it would be too easy, for we, too, are his people, and we, too, have often failed to receive him. Our own sense of guilt about how we have celebrated Christmas is proof enough.

That is precisely what we celebrate today - not that we are such good people; not that we have received Jesus as others have not. We celebrate because Jesus came to be one of us, to live with us in this life of ambiguities and ambivalence, to share in our anguish about our infidelities and shortcomings.

"He came to his own," John says. Those are far-reaching words. If he came to his own, this means that everything is his own; we ourselves, the world around us, and even those gifts we have given each other really belong to him. This is why John begins by telling us that "all things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being." "He came to his own," means that if we have been faithful in our use of things, we have actually been faithful with what is not our own. And, if we have been unfaithful, we have also been unfaithful with what is not our own. We may mismanage it; we may hoard it; we may give it away; it is still his own! And so are we!

Questions to Ponder:

Additional Readings

Isaiah 9:2-7, Luke 2:1-20, Isaiah 62:6-7 and 10-12, Luke 2:8-20

SERVICE

Reader:
The way of the Lord has been prepared. It is God who has prepared it, but we have also tried to prepare ourselves to be ready. Now the celebration begins, though we are not fully ready and can never be fully ready. Christmas is good news of God's coming into our midst, as one of us. God comes in Jesus with the word that God reigns, in spite of all the problems of our world. God reigns and brings salvation to a world that is never fully ready. "The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness does not overcome it." That is the surprise of Christmas. The only response we can make is to rejoice, to be astonished, and to give thanks.

Lighting the Candles
Relight the four Advent candles and light the Christ candle. Everyone should watch in silence as the candles are lighted.

Prayer
O Lord, Jesus Christ, we rejoice at your birth in our midst. Though you have come as one of us, you have come to bring us new life. We are open for the possibility of really being the people we were created to be in a world freed from evil and decay. Be born in our hearts anew, so that our celebration this day may be for us the beginning of a deeper faith and hope and love. We ask these things in your name. Amen.
Closing
Sing one or more verses of Hark the Herald Angels Sing.

ACTIVITIES

1. Gather pieces of things representing a stable setting, like: wooly material, burlap, straw and weeds, etc. Be creative. Slowly read aloud of Christ's birth in Luke 2:1-20 and pass the objects around at appropriate times. You can expand on the story by adding new appropriate items like a water jug. Be open to children's comments during the story as they experience through touch as well as hearing. (They may even contribute some sounds.) Close with a simple prayer of thanksgiving for God's gift in Christ. (This idea was adapted from an excellent book by Judy Gattis Smith, Developing a Child's Spiritual Growth Through Sight, Sound, Taste, Touch and Smell, Abingdon Press.)

2. Reread Sister Joyce Rupp's poem on page 11. Gather around the manger you have been filling with straw. Think about or talk about ways you have prepared for Jesus. Place the figure of the babe in the manger.

3. Use the questions at the end of the meditation to think about or share thoughts about what it means to be a steward of God's creation. Center thought or conversation on our responsibility to keep and heal God's creation. Plan an outing to visit your local waste disposal area or take a walk down the street before Christmas garbage is picked up. What effects do our celebrations of Christmas have on the environment?

4. On Christmas night, spend a few moments in silence, perhaps listening to a favorite carol. Then ask everyone to share something that was especially meaningful during this season. You many want to make some of the activities family traditions. Close with a prayer appropriate to what people have shared.

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FIRST WEEK AFTER CHRISTMAS

God's Holy Family

FIRST WEEK AFTER CHRISTMAS: Jeremiah 31:10-13, Luke 2:15-40

REFLECTION

The Gospel text for this week leaves out the episode about the shepherds guarding their flocks at night, and the angel appearing to them. There may be some value in this, for the dramatic appeal of that passage is such that it often obscures other elements in this story.

In particular, the emphasis on the shepherds obscures the role which the Holy Family plays in this entire passage. The shepherds found "Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger." As the shepherds gave their witness, "Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart." Then comes the naming of the child, in obedience to what the angel had spoken to Mary (Luke 1:31), and his presentation at the Temple by his family. It is there that, as they hear the prophecy of Simeon, "the child's father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him," and that Simeon spoke the woeful words to Mary, "and a sword will pierce your own soul too." Finally, "when they [the Holy Family] had finished everything required by the law of God, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth. The child grew and became strong . . . ."

At another point in the Gospel narrative (8:19-21), Luke tells us that, in a sense, all those who hear and do the word of God are the Holy Family of Jesus. Here, however, he is telling us that, when Jesus came to be one of us, he did so as part of a family and of a people, with traditions to be followed and learned. To be one of us means to be born like one of us, and it means also to be raised in a community and a tradition, just as we all are. In this early part of the narrative, as in the early life of any human being, the family plays a crucial role.

Jesus was born into a family and into a people. That is part of what it means to be human. Since Christmas is a celebration of God's joining humanity, it is also a celebration of God's becoming part of a family, and it is also very appropriately a family celebration.

A family, however, is much more than the nuclear family. It is an entire tradition, an entire people and a history. It is for this reason that, at every turn in our study of the Gospel, we also study a text from the Hebrew Scriptures. The history of Israel is part of the family history of Jesus. And because the history of Israel is part of human history (as the first eleven chapters of Genesis show), all human history is part of that family history. Note that the text from Jeremiah, which speaks of Israel's history, is addressed to "the nations" and to "the coastlands far away." Ultimately, precisely because we are all God's creatures, all creation is a single family.

There is much talk these days about reviving family values. That is important, for without ties to others no human being can subsist. But let us remember that "family," rather than an exclusive term with clearly defined borders, is an inclusive term without borders. A true family expands in ever widening circles until it includes all of creation. Therefore, to uphold "family values" requires that we uphold values of solidarity with the unwed mother and the homeless wanderer, with the poor in our city and with nations far away. For, after all, we are part of the Holy Family of God!

Questions to Ponder:

Additional Readings: Isaiah 61:10 - 62:3, John 1:1-18

SERVICE

Reader:
In the Christmas celebration we rejoiced in the astonishing word that God had come to be one of us, to live a fully human life in our midst. Today we see that it was more than an event at Christmas, for we have the continuation of the story after the birth of Jesus. He is part of a family; He is immersed in the traditions that have brought to this family the knowledge of the God of Israel. He begins the long process of growing up. God's work of bringing salvation is not only in the astonishing events, but also in these long years of normal human activity. In the midst of family and friends, Jesus carries out the celebrations that make him and us part of the long tradition of the knowledge of God. That is what we have been doing in this time of Advent and Christmas. As we build on what we have begun here, God can work in us and among us, in the ordinary times that lie ahead.

Lighting of the Candles:
All:
(Relight the four Advent candles and the Christ candle.) We light these candles again as a sign of the continued light of Christmas that shines even when Christmas Day is past.

Prayer:
Be with us, O God, as we move into the days beyond Christmas, that the blessing we have found in these days may continue in our lives together throughout the year. This we ask in Christ's name. Amen.

ACTIVITIES

1. Think of a time in your life when you felt especially loved, secure, and warm. Then relax with eyes closed. Relive that experience as if you are watching a movie you were in. Who was there? From whom did the love come? A friend? A family member? An experience with the natural world? If you are working with a group, ask people to share their experiences. Think of someone who may not be experiencing God's love and security through others. What activities can you do to share God's love?

2. In a group setting, indicate that during a few minutes of silence, each person should think of one thing they especially appreciate in each person present. After reflection time, share your thoughts. Close with an appropriate prayer of thanksgiving for God's gifts to us which enable us to extend God's love and concern to others.

3. Provide a quiet time in which each person can focus on one or two new actions they want to initiate to show their kinship with the whole created world. Share your ideas. Close with a brief prayer of thanksgiving.

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EPIPHANY

Which King Will We Follow?

EPIPHANY: Isaiah 60:1-6, Matthew 2:1-12

REFLECTION

How many kings are there in the Gospel story? Partly through the influence of the text from Isaiah (60:3), and partly through embellishment through generations of telling and retelling, we have come to call this the story of the "three wise men" or of the "three kings." We have even given them names: Melchior, Caspar, and Balthazar.

In truth, however, the text speaks of just two "kings," and these are not the ones who follow the star. First, there is King Herod, who ruled in Jerusalem and who learned of the wise men's quest. Then, there is "the child who has been born king of the Jews," the object of the quest. Two kings, and only one kingdom. No wonder Herod and all of Jerusalem were frightened! Herod may have misunderstood many things; but he had one point right: this child would pose a challenge he would rather not have to meet.

What about the "wise men"? The text does not say that they were kings, nor does it say that they were three. Even the translation, "wise men," is not entirely accurate, for what the text says is that they were "magi." In fact, the "wise" men were not all that wise. They were politically naive, and had very little understanding of human nature. How else can we explain their going to Jerusalem, Herod's capital, to make inquiries about the birth of a new king? Even when Herod tells them that, having found the new king, they should come back and tell him where the child is, they apparently believe his good will. Their naivete goes to such a point that they need a revelation to tell them not to go back to Herod!

The "wise men" are politically naive. They do not take time to try to understand what is going on in society, and the result is the slaughter of the innocents and the exile of the Holy Family into Egypt.

Perhaps the "wise men" could be excused. After all, they were foreigners who apparently didn't know any better. But then there are "the chief priests and the scribes." These were people who knew the political scene in Jerusalem. They also were religious people, who knew the Scriptures. And, on the basis of their knowledge of Scripture, they tell King Herod where Jesus is to be born. The "wise" men had told him when; now the religious folk tell him where. They, too, are responsible for the outcome of the story. And they cannot plead innocence!

There are terrible lessons for us here. Clearly, political naivete, even when combined with the most well-meaning religiosity, can lead to the slaughter of the innocents. But so does "good" theology when put at the service of the wrong king. There are two kings in the story. The "wise" men probably do not see the opposition between these two kings; the "wise" theologians can probably guess that there will be such opposition, but choose to serve the wrong king.

All of our study during these past weeks about the meaning of Christmas, and how to celebrate it, has been about two kings. There is the king of social acceptability, consumerism and commercial success; and there is the King who demands mercy, and justice, and peace, and love. Many are naive, and do not see the opposition between the two. Others, even though they see the opposition, opt for the wrong one. Both groups are responsible for the slaughter of many innocents. We can no longer choose to be naive, for our eyes have been opened. Where will we stand?

Questions to Ponder:

SERVICE

Lighting of the Candles:
Since Epiphany marks the end of the traditional "Twelve Days of Christmas," light the candles before the service begins. There is time later in the service for extinguishing them.
Reader:
The celebration of Epiphany points to the fact that the birth of Jesus is not only a new beginning for those within Israel, but is also of great significance to those beyond Israel. It is the God of Israel who is also calling those of Israel and beyond to worship and service. In obedience the "wise men" came to Bethlehem. They did not understand all that was happening. But they did come, and in so doing they began the long line of those who would find in this Jesus the renewal of their lives and of the life of the world. Many of those who followed have also left us examples of what faith can mean in a world like ours. What sorts of examples can we give to those who do not understand the significance of Christmas?

Extinguishing the Candles
Extinguish the candles, beginning with the first Advent candle and ending with the Christ candle.

Prayer:
Be with us in the year ahead, O Christ, in our life together and in our individual lives, that the light of Christmas may shine through us. May those around us see in our lives a glimpse of the newness you have made possible. Bless our ordinary days, that in the midst of them we may find your extraordinary peace, joy, hope and love. Amen.

ACTIVITIES

1. Clip pictures and stories that depict people and the earth suffering. What roles might you play in the suffering? Are you like the "wise" men? The "wise" theologians? What role do we as a people and as a country play? Write a letter or draw a picture of how things might be different. Mail it to a political leader. Pray asking God for the vision to see how your actions, attitudes and choices affect others.

2. In the reflections this week, Justo González speaks of two kings who compete in determining what the Christmas season will mean to us. Explore how the teachings of our consumer culture compete with the teachings of the following Bible passages: Isaiah 24:4-6; Luke 1:46-53; Luke 12:38-44; I John 3:16-18. What is the effect of the different world views on the environment? On human relationships? On community life? What really brings us happiness and security? How can we seek to lead more fulfilling lifestyles? Close with a prayer of thanksgiving for God's revelation in Jesus Christ, the way of life which brings fullness.

3. Gather around the manger scene and read Matthew 25:34-40. Talk about how you can continue to share God's mercy, justice, peace and love with others. What can you do throughout the year to prepare a "nest" for Jesus next Christmas? In a meditative mood, ask each person present to decide on one gift they want to give Jesus during the year. Close with prayer.

 

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