Science tells us that we are an infinitely insignificant speck. This vast universe of science does not and cannot care about our speck of dust. Paradoxically, faith asserts there is a moral universe with good and evil contending. All religions and their respective sacred writings speak about following its prescribed way, which if followed, will lead to compassion, righteousness, justice, peace and love. The season of Christmas speaks to this desire of our hearts: that we matter, that a baby born is the greatest of all miracles; i.e., the miracle of life itself matters in all its aspects. This is the great mystery, that in an infinite universe, the infinitesimal is of great value. The essence of Christmas is the audacity to believe, hope and trust that in this infinite universe, God became human and dwelt among us. Immanuel, God with us!
Unfortunately, our modern culture waters down and trivializes holy days (Think Easter’s proclamation of life triumphing over death vis-a-vis the “Easter” bunny!). Having served as a Christian minister for over 35 years, I have always simultaneously loved and hated the season of Christmas. I absolutely love the holy day of Christmas and the story which celebrates the absolute mystery of the divine dwelling among us. The literal meaning of Christmas is Christ Mass, the holy celebration of the birth of the Christ.
What I simultaneously hate is how this beautiful holy day of Christmas Eve has been subsumed and literally consumed by our culture. Do not misunderstand me. I love the feelings evoked by family gatherings and dinners, and in general, that special “Christmas” feeling during this special season. However, it is particularly jarring for me to hear a beautiful rendition of “Silent Night,” intermixed or followed by a jingle like “Santa Claus is Coming to Town.” I have grave misgivings about celebrating the mystery of Immanuel, God with us, on the same night that there is focus on Santa and his elves delivering all the gifts via the chimney. For me personally, it is an unholy alliance.
Historically, we have no idea of the actual date of Jesus’ birth. The date of December 25 was an arbitrary date set in 350 CE by Pope Julius I. I propose we have two days of celebration, one a holy day and the other a cultural holiday season. Let’s change the date to celebrate the holy day of Christmas Eve to December 21, which is the winter solstice, marking our planet’s solar event when light begins to overcome the darkness. Churches have long marked and commemorated December 21 as the longest night, recognizing that for many, the Christmas season is anything but merry. For many in our world, the darkness too often overcomes the light.
I propose a Christmas Eve service on December 21, celebrated by praise and pondering. The praise part is easy, with lessons and Christmas carols sung with joy. For the pondering part, I suggest we turn to Mary, who pondered about a great many things. Consider Zechariah’s disbelief about the possibility of elderly Elizabeth giving birth to a son, John, whose task it will be to prepare the way of the Lord. Consider too, Mary’s faithful response to giving birth miraculously as a virgin, emanating in the beautiful words of the Magnificat, rejoicing in God’s fulfillment of promise (Luke 1:46-55). Or ponder Zechariah’s song: “By the tender mercy of God, the dawn from on high will break upon us to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace (Luke 1:78-79). The Christmas story does not end in a manger. Herod is jealous and enraged to hear what the Wise Men have to say, and ordered the slaughter of innocent children (Matthew 2:16-18). Eight days after the birth, Simeon prophesies to Mary: “This child is destined for the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed — and a sword will pierce your own soul too (Luke 2:34). Mary and Joseph are told to flee to Egypt to protect their newborn son. Some 30 years later John will be beheaded, and Jesus crucified.
Mary must have pondered all these things her entire life, even as we should. Why is the message of the kingdom of God within our hearts so violently opposed? Jesus taught us two commandments: first and foremost to love God with all our heart, mind and soul; second, to love others even as we love ourselves. There is a lot worth pondering, even as we hold on to the promise of John 1:1-5, ” In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was God…What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not (and shall not) overcome it.”
The Rev. Lloyd Parrill, Ph.D., lives in Northfield.