Thursday, December 25, 2008
St. Clement’s Catholic Church; Saratoga Springs, NY
Isaiah 9: 1 – 6
Psalm 96: 1 – 2, 2 – 3, 11 – 12, 13
Titus 2: 11 – 14
Luke 2: 1 – 14
“O Holy Night, the stars are brightly shining . . .”
In the darkness of night many years ago, your life and my life was changed forever. As the stars pierced thru the bleakness of a December night, two young people had the courage to go where no one thought they could ever go – and because of their courage our world changed.
“A thrill of hope, the weary world rejoices . . . “
A young maid and her young husband, full of hope and expectations had their world turned upside down by the message of an angel. “And you shall bear a son . . . and you shall name him Emmanuel, for God is with us.” Two weary young people . . . nowhere to go, nowhere to rest but with hearts full of hope and courage our world changed.
“For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn . . .”
It is not just long ago that we remember tonight but we remember each and every time that our God continues to break into our world bringing us a new and glorious day. Joseph and Mary had the courage to allow Christ into the world and our world changed. We also celebrate the many times each of us have had the courage to bring Christ to one another – and thus allow our world to continue to change.
“It is the night of our dear Savior’s birth!”
And again he wishes to come into our world. And again he wishes to turn our darkness into light; to turn our night into morning. Our dear Savior needs more people like Joseph and Mary; he asks tonight: “Who will have the courage to bring me to a waiting world.” Not into the stable of Bethlehem, but into the hearts and souls of all that gather to celebrate his birth tonight and tomorrow.
"Do not be afraid; for behold, I proclaim to you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.”
This is the message of Christmas. This is the message of joy, happiness and peace of this Blessed Night. This is the message of the courage of two young people who changed the world. This is the message that in the still of night our God leapt down from the heavens to live among us. His birth in Bethlehem changed our world.
Do no be afraid. Go forth and proclaim the good news and be people of courage. Courage to say Yes to Christ and bring him once again to the waiting world. This is the message of Christmas. And God simply asks each of us here tonight to be his messengers. Our world can change – but we have to bring Christ into the world to change it. This is the message of Christmas – Do not be afraid! AMEN! Christ is born!
No comments:
Post a Comment