A Journey Through Advent: Day 26
Day 26
December 24, 2020
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The Humility of Emmanuel
Luke 2:1-13
Rev. Dr. Paul Wallace
“In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered.
“Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child.
“While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
“In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, ‘Do not be afraid; for see--I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.’ And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, ‘Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!’"
– Luke 2:1-13, NRSV
Reflection
Humility is the hallmark of this familiar story. Joseph and Mary, residents of the tiny, virtually unknown town of Nazareth in Galilee, are moved by political forces beyond their control: the Emperor wants the world to be registered and so ordinary families everywhere are on the move, and you can be sure that not one journey was subsidized by any government authority. You heard the call of Rome and that was that: you just had to go. So Joseph and Mary went, one tiny anonymous family among thousands.
The theme of humility continues when our little family is turned away from the inn and directed to a stable. This is the best they can do despite the fact that Mary is due to be delivered, so they settle in, surrounded by animals and night air. And it is in this lowly, forgotten place that Jesus is born.
Shepherds in the fields hear about the birth of Jesus before anyone else. Shepherds—perhaps the most common, least remarkable, ordinary people in the ancient Near East—are first in line to learn about the birth of the Messiah.
They first hear the news of Jesus the same way Mary first heard the news of Jesus: through the mouth of an angel, which is not at all an ordinary way of receiving news, even in the Bible. Through the announcement of angels, this invisible and humble event is bathed in the light of heaven.
This, friends, is what God does, this Christmas and every day too: God shines a holy light on the most ordinary of lives, illuminating common things and common people, extolling the humble and granting the meek the Kingdom of God.
May each of you meet Emmanuel, this season and every season. If you look to the everyday common things and people with eyes to see, you too will behold God with us.
Exercise
Remember to look for Emmanuel in the regular ordinary people and things and places of your life; the light of the holy will appear if you look for it. Merry Christmas everyone!
About a Journey Through Advent
This year is unprecedented in its challenges to our global, national, and local communities, let alone the challenges to our own church community and personal spiritual growth. And yet, the rhythm of the church calendar continues to hold us in a life-giving refrain: hope is alive!
This series of devotional readings, scripture readings, and prayers is designed to give you an opportunity to pause and reflect on the hope, peace, joy, and love that the Advent season brings.
We challenge you to set aside time each day to read, reflect, and pray through these offerings presented by our pastoral staff.
May you find encouragement in the remarkable hope this season provides us!