Happy 4th Sunday of Advent!
During the four weeks of our advent journey, we have looked to the gospel of Matthew as our guide. Matthew has helped us consider the identity of this amazing child whose birth we celebrate on Christmas. The history of Israel shared in the genealogy, the words of the angel to Joseph, and the arrival of the magi have each helped us to understand that this child is a new king who will lead in a new and God filled way for all people, the way of hope, peace, joy, and love.
King Herod also knows this. And, as those with power, selfish ambition, and fragile egos generally do, he reacted strongly to the idea of another leader in his land, even an infant. Meredith helped prepare us for this part of the story in last week’s message. Even as the magi were filled with joy, Herod’s actions brought much sorrow to the land as he ordered all of the male children under the age of two killed.
We wrestle with this kind of evil and senseless violence in our world. Our hearts break for those who are suffering. We wish that someone, anyone, especially a God we know to be good, would intervene and stop it. We want everyone, particularly the most vulnerable, to be protected from harm, especially at Christmas.
Matthew includes this story to help us know that this is a significant part of God’s response. God enters into the reality of our world and our experiences, including injustice, evil, and oppression, as a vulnerable child. Even as his earthly parents worry over the infant Jesus, so God also knows the burden of this worry. Matthew challenges us to see that God is working to bring about the transformation of the world through Jesus the Savior who is both the vulnerable infant and the resurrected Christ of Easter.
Christmas invites us to see and celebrate the places where goodness and love, and God’s will of grace and peace are present, and to be a part of them. Christmas also invites us to see where these gifts are most needed, where there is struggle and lament, evil and injustice, and to enter into those spaces alongside of God, and to trust that God is in those places as well, working for hope, peace, joy, and love.
As we gather this Sunday to reflect on Matthew 2:13-23, we will find God’s love working through Joseph and Mary. We will consider how that love extends to us, fills us, and is a gift that we as Christ followers share with others.
You are in our prayers as you make your final preparations for Christmas. We look forward to celebrating with you on Christmas Eve in person or by livestream at 4pm, 6pm, 8:30pm, or 11pm.
Blessings,
Pastor Suzanne