…to you is born this day…a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord.
THE NATIVITY OF OUR LORD — CHRISTMAS EVE
Texts: Luke 2:1-20; Isaiah 9:2-7
What important announcements have you heard this past year? To which announcements have you given your attention this year? Our world is filled with announcements and pronouncements. Some are important; some merely claim importance. Some are very important, but seem so distant that it is difficult to see connection to our everyday lives. We just heard news from North Korea of the death of their long-time ruler. That may have profound consequences on international relations – yet it is remote from the every-day matters that concern most of us. Earlier this summer some group that claims to know a lot announced that the credit rating of the United States is not so good. Now for many of us the effect of that came closer to home. But what can I do about it?
I think of the announcements one hears at the airport – about not leaving bags unattended, and that if you see one, report it. That announcement is really quite important. But it becomes background noise. What announcements shout at us? What announcements fade into the background noise?
I invite you to look at two announcements we heard in our scripture readings for this Christmas Eve. Maybe they are so familiar, they, too, have become background noise. Or, we may not be familiar with the details, yet the whole Christmas thing is just the incomprehensible noise of seasonal sales and seasonal customs and seasonal frenzy.
In the story of Jesus’ birth, we move from the stable turned into a birth room, to the hillside. In that natural setting of animals eating, from what we would call a supernatural source, an announcement comes. And we get to overhear, to you is born a savior…
Earlier, the prophet Isaiah lived in a time of political turmoil. He saw the devastation of power politics between nations, of political intrigue within ruling families. He saw the muddied boots and the bloodied uniforms of warriors – symbols of the belief that might makes right. The prophet’s poetry offers an image, carries a cadence that sounds like hope yet really evokes the fear of history marching uncaringly forward. But then the motion of the poem stops; almost like a new beginning. For a child has been born to us. Now, we easily miss the impact of that little phrase, what it meant to those who first heard the prophet’s words, what it meant to the faithful Jews, like Joseph and Mary who wanted to believe that sometime God would remember the promise and make things right again. A lot of folks were really excited when a child was born to president elect John Kennedy. But that did not change the course of our nation’s history. We will hear a lot when Kate and William have a baby over there in England. But that probably will not change the course of world history. The only thing comparable is wondering how crazy is the son who will probably succeed the crazy leader in North Korea – that could affect us. So remember, the words of the prophet are not just posting a sonogram picture on facebook – as heartwarming as that can be. Realize it or not, the announcement of the birth of this child has implications for the politics and the economics of the world, has implications for the hearts and minds of each and every person.
We might also contrast the announcement told at the beginning of our Christmas story. A decree went out from the Roman emperor. Now we know the difference between announcements and commands. We know when we can let it go in one ear and out the other. We know when we can take it in, but really do not have to do anything differently. And, we know when, like it or not, we better do what has been said. Caesar Augustus said jump, and a lot of soldiers made sure folks knew how high. Yet Caesar’s decree was not the most important announcement.
Rather, echoing the ancient prophets, the messenger of God (for that is the meaning of the word angel in the Bible) said, to you is born a new king. Yes, this is just a child lying where you would not expect a king to be. But here you will find the One who will save the world, the One who can save you.
And, we, this night, could simply believe that this is part of an old fairytale. We could believe this is just religion fabricating some sweet story to control people. Or, we can trust this comes from the Creator of the Universe, telling us we are not forgotten, telling us he will make things once more right, inviting us, challenging us to be part of his work to save the world.
Here is the One, who, in the words of the prophet, will be Prince of Peace. This is not just one more over-blown claim because a powerful person has a baby. Here is the one who will save the world.
And, Martin Luther would remind us, we can focus on the words, to you. Not just to someone else, but to you. Amidst all the world’s claims for exciting life, to you is born the Savior who brings life-giving counsel. Amidst all the world’s judgments weighing us down, to you is born the Savior who forgives. Amidst all the dead-ends and reasons for despair, to you is born the Savior who leads you into hope. Amidst the loneliness and sorrow, perhaps felt poignantly at this time of year, to you is born the Savior who gives comfort, who gives the joy of the resurrection.
The angel’s announcement is for the world. The angel’s announcement is for you. The angel’s announcement promises to make a difference in my life, in your life.
To hear with my ears; to believe in my heart; and, by the power of the Holy Spirit, to live this announcement, this good news, every day, now and forever.
