genesis 3:8--19
genesis 22:15--18
Isaiah 9:2, 6-7; 11:1
Micah 5:2-4
Luke 2:1-20
Obviously, we have heard many words tonight, but I would like to briefly look at the five texts and their connection to Christmas.
We believe that God created humans to love and be loved by them. Love, to be love, must be freely given, so God gave humans freedom. He gave up His power and control and in a real sense handed power and control to humanity. Unfortunately, Adam and Eve exercised their freedom by rejecting God--Genesis 3 illustrates this as eating the forbidden fruit from the Tree of Knowledge. The sin is compounded by a lack of remorse, as Adam and Eve hide in fear. When God finds them, rather than apologize, they blame others, including Adam blaming God. This rupture in the relationship creates a cursed world in need of redemption. Sin becomes worse and worse, leading to the Flood, when the world returns to the same watery chaos that existed in Genesis 1. God chooses a descendant of Noah, Abraham, as a vehicle of salvation for the world. We read tonight that Abraham's faith was tested, but he obeyed God. He loves God more than his son or himself, and God consecrates his obedience. "By your offspring shall all the nations gain blessings," and Jesus, a Son of Abraham, is that blessing.
Sinful humanity lives in the shadows, our minds and hearts darkened. We are so used to it, we fail to recognize it. God gives Israel the light of Torah and covenant, and our reading from Isaiah declares that the ultimate goal of redemption is all humanity. Jews and Gentiles are all to be God's people. Isaiah promises the Gentiles in Galilee will see a great light. Jesus' ministry many years later in Galilee is that light--He is the wonderful counselor, the mighty God, the prince of peace. Jesus is the stump of Jesse--the true Davidic King of Judah. Micah, another prophet, declares that the one to rule Israel will be born in Bethlehem, the very place where Jesus is born. Micah promises that He will feed the flock. This promise is fulfilled in Jesus. But first, a bit of background. In Ezekiel 34 God declares judgement on the shepherds of Israel--the leaders who feed off the people but do not feed them. God declares that He will come down to shepherd the flock of Israel. The shepherds in the Gospel are a visual reminder of that promise, which is symbolized by Jesus being placed in a manger--a feeding trough. Later in the Gospel Jesus will take bread and wine and say, "Take, eat, This is my body. Drink, this is my blood." God's promise to feed His people is fulfilled in Jesus. Jesus will be tempted in a garden like Adam and Eve but will be faithful. Unlike Isaac, Jesus will not escape His sacrificial death. Jesus will die in the dark for a sinful world, but with resurrection will come the light of life.
Tonight we declare that a savior is born who is Christ the Lord. It is easy to forget how sublime these words really are. Mary invites us to ponder in our heart the sacred mystery. The angels would have us join them in singing "Glory to God!" The shepherds are a model for the simple evangelism which shares with others this story of divine love in the incarnation.
God says, "I myself will come down and feed them." Tonight we are fed with the word of God and now we prepare to be fed by eucharist. God is faithful in loving us, we can choose to be faithful in loving Him.
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