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A thousand ChristmasesSunday, December 25, 2016
Luke 2:19-20 Depending. In a human way, Mary knew Jesus since before the beginning of babytime; she knew God's touch inside her and knew his name was Jesus even before the zygote began to divide. Many Christians exalt Mary in the pantheon of human saints, and this is certainly another reason for her exaltation. I've always felt quiet and reflective when I read the words, "Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart." I want to ponder them too. Mary will never forget Gabriel's announcement, Elizabeth's joy, Joseph's loyalty and love, the baby's willingness to be born in the stable surrounded by cows and calves, the shepherds' curiosity and worship, the gifts of the magi, the prophecies of Anna and Simeon. Never forget. Ponder these things in your heart. I want to ponder them too. It's the closest God has ever come to us, and it's the closest we will come to God. God is an intimate with us now. God lives with us. Emmanuel! Today I get to enjoy my gift-giving and gift-receiving. As best I can I will leap and laugh and sing for joy. I am a privileged person: my food will be good, my house will be warm, those around me will be happy. Let me count these blessings and not take them for granted. This is Christmas Day, and in some parts of the world, there is peace. In all this, God is alive. Magic is afoot! "Life is full of heroism ... with all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world." Merry Christmas. Jesus, the heavens are glad because of you, and the earth rejoices. The sea sings and the plains are full of joy. Every tree in the forest bows in wonder and in love. And then there are all of us, who tend to get filled up with ourselves. Forgive us and open us again, Jesus, to your beauty and your grace. Let us know how much we're loved, and teach us day by day to love you with all our hearts and souls and minds and strength. |
Depending on how you think about it, Jesus is around 2000 years old, or was always alive since before the beginning of time ... or he is as old as the thoughts and imaginings we ourselves have had about him. In that case, for me Jesus would be around 65 years old.