Christmas Eve Day

Christmas Eve Day

2 Samuel 7:1-16; Psalm 89:1-4, 19-29; Luke 1:67-79

“And you, child, shall be called the prophet of the Most High, for you will go before the Lord to prepare the way, to give God’s people knowledge of salvation by the forgiveness of their sins.” (Luke 1:76-77)

These words are attributed to Zechariah, blessing and commissioning his son John.  After nine months of life without sounds or speech, this is what he announces: A prophet to prepare the way, to give God’s people knowledge of salvation by forgiveness.

Isn’t this what we’re all called to be?

Here in our community we say this song every morning, as we sing Mary’s song every night.  Every day we are reminded, not only of what John would become, but of what we are to be.  Not the main event, but indispensable.  We are the ones through whom people will hear the message of salvation - or not.  We are the ones who will show the way by how we live - or not.  

But we aren’t just stand-ins for John.  Dream analysts would tell us that in any dream we dream, we are all the characters.  Just so in the Gospels.  We are John, and Elizabeth, and Zechariah.  We are Joseph and Mary and yes, we are Jesus.  We are Herod, and we are the wise ones.  We are the shepherds, and we are the angels.

We each carry the whole story of salvation within us.  In a given moment we may act out one part or another, for good or evil or simple entertainment.  But we carry the whole story.  That’s part of what it means to be human.

Today, as you prepare for the birth of Christ among and within us, welcome all these parts of you.  Comfort those that need comfort, challenge those that need a good talking-to, encourage those who doubt or fear, rejoice with those who who have found their Savior.  Gather all these parts, and come to the manger.  Gaze in, and see your heart.