Stephen Baldwin
NT: Luke 2.1-20
What in the
world would compel sane people to come to church at 11pm on a Thursday night?
The same thing that would compel wise men to follow a star, and
shepherds to follow the angel’s advice.
The same thing that compelled Mary and Joseph. Christmas compels us.
I often
wonder what it felt like for them to make such incredible journeys to the
baby. We’ll never know for sure, but we
have a pretty good idea. Why? Because the same thing compelled us to come
here tonight. Christmas compels us
all.
What are
you feeling tonight? Tonight at dinner
we talked about how confused we feel this year.
Confused about the weather and the timing and making sense of it
all. However, that’s not the strongest
feeling I have. The overwhelming feeling
I have tonight is gratitude. I am
grateful for each one of you, my community of faith. I am grateful for the Christ Child, born so
humbly to embody Emmanuel, God with us.
I am grateful to be able to sing carols and read the Christmas story,
for though they remain the same year after year, they have a holy ability to
set my heart at peace. I am grateful to
hear the Trents play sacred songs so beautifully. I am grateful for food on the table, friends
around the table, and a roof over the table.
I am especially
grateful for children. This past Sunday
in church, I asked a leading question.
“Are you all excited?”
With Christmas just around the
corner, I thought they would say, “Yes!
I can’t wait to open my presents!”
But they said no such thing.
Caroline said, “I’m excited to
light the fourth Advent candle!”
Ashton said, “I’m excited for
Jesus’ birthday!”
I am grateful for children, for
sometimes they see the truth of Christmas more clearly than us adults.
I am grateful for generous
people. When the Deacons asked for food
for a family of six, you brought enough food for six families of six. When the Mission Team asked for $900 to buy
turkeys for all the families who visit the Food Pantry, you gave $1,000. When a woman in need came by the office
seeking help with her rent, the staff gave out of their own pockets, without
even being asked, to help this woman and her family. When the calendar turned to December, you
called and asked who needed help…and you provided it. When a family experienced a fire, you called
and texted and pledged your support.
Whenever you are given an
opportunity to assist folks in humble circumstances, like those of Mary,
Joseph, and the baby on this night in Bethlehem, you do it. You stand in solidarity with people you do
not know simply because they are your brothers and sisters in Christ. You share what is yours with those you only
know in passing simply because they have need.
And you fill my heart with gratitude and joy.
I am grateful for Jesus Christ, who
compels us all to do good joyously.
The story goes that Mary &
Joseph were turned away from the inn because there was no room. Some days I wonder if it’s still the case
today that we don’t make room in our hearts, but tonight…tonight, I know that
he finds room. Whether we make room or
he makes his way inside our hearts, the Christ child compels us to do good in
his name, and my heart feels especially full tonight. I thank God.
I thank you. I thank
Christmas. Amen.
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