Luke 2:15-20
“When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them, and Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, just as it had been told them.” Luke 2:15-20 (NRSVUE)
Surprise is the word for Christmas. Mary Christmas and Joseph too! If you are reading this on Christmas day, kudos to you! I will probably be helping with young grandchildren, cleaning, and possibly food prep however my low carb cooking isn’t the most cherished--no surprise there.
And yet Christmas is a surprise in Luke. We hear of how God comes to us. Not in some grand way with flashing lights, thunder, or pomp and circumstance but as a normal babe born in poor conditions. And who gets told first in Luke? The poor shepherds, terrified out of their skins. And yet a listener back then would hear something important. Who was the last shepherd to be made messiah? It was the prophet Samuel (messenger of God as in angel) whom God uses to announce the new leader who will bring into being a new kingdom with freedom for the long oppressed people. That would be King David, surprise!
This story in Luke kindles a new hope. Not a return of the Jedi kind of new hope that conquers the Sith by light saber (Star Wars), but a humble, caring, servant who ushers in a new way of living with God’s transforming grace. Unlike other messiahs Jesus would be one that heals, teaches, and cares for the people without violence. This new kingdom is built upon trusting wholesome relationships born of God. This kingdom does not have earthly boundaries and it stands the test of time. And the surprise is we inherit the citizenship of God! Merry Christmas!
Questions for Reflection:
- What surprised you this past year? Who would you tell? Would it be a trusted friend?
- What do you want in the new year? What surprise would you welcome?
- How will God use you as God’s citizen? How has God already worked through you?
Prayer:
Lord God of surprise, let your Holy Spirit move our hearts and minds to see your surprising Kingdom all around us everyday. Make us your servant to do good and follow your will so that your kingdom will be more clearly seen on earth as it is in heaven. Amen.
Login To Leave Comment