Into Everyday Life

Every year in our church we re-tell the Christmas story. Sometimes it becomes so familiar, even quaint, that we miss the rough edges. But, the rough edges reveal much.

In the story, we learn that Jesus was born into a war-torn country, occupied by the Roman Empire.  We learn about Joseph, who had to undertake a dangerous journey for a census. We learn about Mary who was young, unwed, and pregnant. We learn that when Jesus comes, they lay him in a manger – which is really nothing more than a feed trough. So, it was into the middle of uncertainty, desperate need, and the conflict of everyday life – that God came. And, that is where God continues to come – even today.

If you have ever wondered why people build homes for habitat, why churches open their buildings for the homeless, why we spend so much time and energy ministering to children and the elderly and the sick and lost and lonely, … it is because, through the birth of this child in a manger, God has invited us to follow him into the brokenness of the world.

What’s really amazing is that as we follow, we find God present in our own brokenness – healing, redeeming, and bringing new life!

“Do not be afraid, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you. You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Let us pray: On this Holy Day, the eve of the birth of your son, Lord God, we worship you, we adore you, we praise you. We remember today that Christmas is about a birth. It is a beginning, a new start. We see the light overtaking the darkness, and so we hope, and so we follow. Fill each of us, this day, with the mystery of your Word made flesh until our hearts overflow with praise and joy. We ask in Jesus’ name. Amen.