We're into the final Christmas countdown - only 4 days left until Christmas! Our services at SJMC this weekend will have us reflect on the songs of Christmas. Not our usual Christmas carols, but the songs of the characters in Luke's gospel as they confront the mystery and wonder of God's promised child. On Christmas Eve we'll listen to Mary's song of praise to God as she feels the bumps and kicks of God's life stretching within her. On Christmas Day we'll encounter an old man named Simeon at the Temple where the baby Jesus is being dedicated. He recognizes Jesus as the promised child of God's salvation, and sings his own song of promises fulfilled.
Both Mary and Simeon, however, sing songs with a sharp edge. The birth of Jesus is a time for joy, for praise, for thanksgiving and for wonder at the miracle of God. But they both know that this child will also pierce their lives and their world in ways that will bring heartache and difficult choices. Mary sings about the pround being scattered, and the powerful brought down. She sings of the hungry being filled and the rich being sent away. Simeon says something similar - I find these words both haunting and thrilling: "This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed." To Mary herself he says: "and a sword will pierce your own soul too."
The good news born on Christmas Day may be painful to embrace. It may tear us from what we know and what we love, causing as many to stumble as to be raised up. We cannot celebrate the birth of this child without embracing also the cross that awaits not far down the road. The song of Christmas joy in the coming of the long-awaited Messiah has teeth. The longing is serious, and so is it's fulfillment. For something really has happened in the birth of Jesus. All of creation turns to look, and will never be the same. Praise God, for this child is the Lion of Judah and the Lamb that was Slain. King of Kings and Lord of Lords, the Prince of Peace and the Bread of Life. The Mighty One has done great things for us, and Holy is his name.
Wednesday, 21 December 2011
Thursday, 8 December 2011
Detectives of Divinity
The children in Sunday school have been encouraged to be "detectives of divinity" as we prepare for our Christmas program this coming Sunday. We are looking for clues or glimpses of God - some tiny, some big - of God's presence and activity in the world.
Here is a glimpse of God straight from South Africa, written by Karen Suderman:
"The mother walking ahead of us looked tired and slightly frazzled, as almost any mother of three would look by the end of the day. I can imagine this was their last stop before going home for the evening. Pick n' Pay, the local grocery store, is the last stop for many on their way home from a busy day. Gathering and herding her children along, her blond hair blowing in the breeze of incoming rain, the mother was working at making this a quick stop.
Coming in the opposite direction, having completed her shopping, was another mother of three. She too looked tired, eager to get home. However, she had encountered a problem. The grocery cart was stuck on a lip of the concrete. Her young daughter pulled with all her might on the front of the cart, her brow furrowed with strain. The mother pushed from the other side of the cart, but to no avail. It was stuck.
The first mother moved towards the cart and helped the young girl lift it over the lip. It was a simple act. Almost insignificant. But the look of gratitude from the second mother indicated that it was anything but small.
I love to see moments like this - people reaching out and lending a hand to each other. This incident in the context of South Africa was also significant. It was a white woman who helped a black woman.
It is wonderful to see these small acts of compassion here. In a country that has such a brutal history of division and oppression along racial lines, it is wonderful to see how people are reaching out in small ways to begin to change that."
And a couple of photos from Karen in South Africa too:
Thank you, Karen!
Wishing all of you a wonderful second week of Advent!
Here is a glimpse of God straight from South Africa, written by Karen Suderman:
"The mother walking ahead of us looked tired and slightly frazzled, as almost any mother of three would look by the end of the day. I can imagine this was their last stop before going home for the evening. Pick n' Pay, the local grocery store, is the last stop for many on their way home from a busy day. Gathering and herding her children along, her blond hair blowing in the breeze of incoming rain, the mother was working at making this a quick stop.
Coming in the opposite direction, having completed her shopping, was another mother of three. She too looked tired, eager to get home. However, she had encountered a problem. The grocery cart was stuck on a lip of the concrete. Her young daughter pulled with all her might on the front of the cart, her brow furrowed with strain. The mother pushed from the other side of the cart, but to no avail. It was stuck.
The first mother moved towards the cart and helped the young girl lift it over the lip. It was a simple act. Almost insignificant. But the look of gratitude from the second mother indicated that it was anything but small.
I love to see moments like this - people reaching out and lending a hand to each other. This incident in the context of South Africa was also significant. It was a white woman who helped a black woman.
It is wonderful to see these small acts of compassion here. In a country that has such a brutal history of division and oppression along racial lines, it is wonderful to see how people are reaching out in small ways to begin to change that."
And a couple of photos from Karen in South Africa too:
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| Mpophomeni, South Africa |
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| Zulu homestead, South Africa |
Thank you, Karen!
Wishing all of you a wonderful second week of Advent!
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