The Nativity of the Lord (Christmas)

What is it about Luke’s telling of Christmas that makes it so enduring, and endearing?  Year after year, century after century, we’re drawn to this story, and moved by it again and again.  It is, for so many of us, “the” Christmas story.

Part of it is the cast of characters Luke assembles.  His gospel is beautifully inclusive.  He is the evangelist for the outsider and the outcast – and so in this birth narrative you have everyone.  Jesus, Mary, Joseph, shepherds, angels, even Caesar is mentioned.  The only ones who don’t appear are the wise men, but they’ll pop up on their own holiday, Epiphany, coming in January.  In this narrative, you really do see the world spread before us.  Everyone is welcome at the stable.

But beyond the setting, and the sentiment, there is a truth here that strikes at the heart of every believing Christian – that truth that defines Christmas.  It is there, in the middle of the gospel, in the very first words that are spoken.  “Do not be afraid.”  And then it gets even better.  “Behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.”  “A savior has been born for you who is Christ and Lord.”

These are the words we have been longing for.  With this moment, the course of human history changes forever.  God has become one of us.  The savior’s very name proclaims the incredible truth that no one ever thought possible: “Emmanuel.”  God is with us.  It is a stunning thought, almost overwhelming.  And yet we are told: “Do not be afraid.”

Across two thousand years, those words reach out to us in joy and hope and consolation.  No matter who you are, no matter where you live, no matter what your circumstances, this is what matters: “Do not be afraid.”  Because even in this darkest of nights, there is light.  A savior has been born for you who is Christ and Lord.  Here is Christ Our Hope.

He didn’t come in grandeur or majesty, to intimidate us.  He came as the most helpless and dependent creature of all: a baby, in a manger, in Bethlehem.  He loves us so much, God came to us as someone we could not help but love.  Yes, on this night, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.  And he continues to be born in our hearts, if only we will allow it to happen.

That, I think, is the great power of Christmas, the reason why year after year this beautiful passage from Luke resonates.  Christmas is about redemption, yes.  But it is also about God’s overpowering love for us – his reassurance to a troubled, frightened, war-torn world that God is with us, through everything.

He dreams with us.  He struggles with us.  He grieves with us.  And: he hopes with us.  Remember his name: Emmanuel.  God is with us.  So do not be afraid.  Merry Christmas, to one and to all!

Paul A. Magnano

Pastor