Thursday, December 25, 2014

Christmas Eve Sermon: A Weary World Rejoices

Christmas Eve, 2014
The Rev. Mark B. Pendleton
Christ Church of Exeter

A Weary World Rejoices on a Holy Night

Christmas Eve preaching is tricky. Churches swell with visiting family members and friends who are not accustomed to the voice of the preacher and the preacher on this particular night is often unfamiliar with his audience. Plus, it’s late and some of us are a little tired. It’s night. We attend church services at night, well, almost never. Worshipping at night is different.

I have simple goals for a Christmas Eve sermon. First, I want us to engage the story. Second, I want us to make it our story. And third, I want us to hear the message of salvation, hope and peace that is core of why Christians around the world are celebrating tonight. I would of course agree with Dr. Seuss and his Grinch who finally realized, “What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store. What if Christmas...perhaps...means a little bit more!” 

The story of Jesus birth is imprinted upon our imaginations and hearts each time we hear it. The census that gave rise to Joseph and Mary traveling from their home in Galilee to Bethlehem. The lasting image is of the newborn child wrapped in bands of cloth and laid in a manger, a simple animal’s feeding trough, for there was no room for them in the inn. The announcement of Jesus’ birth shared first with humble shepherds tending their flocks. This seeming ordinary birth was anything but. The child born in humble surroundings would in time compete with the Roman Emperor and King Herod for the hearts and loyalties of the people. The innocence of the newborn baby was God’s answer to the powers and principalities of this world. 

Christmas is many churches is all about the pageant. They invite and involve children to take their role in the story, becoming the shepherds, angels, Wise Men, animals, and Mary and Joseph. Only at Christ Church do we introduce Roman soldiers because who doesn’t like wearing a helmet and carrying a plastic sword when your ten years old! Pageants draw us in. The only downside of pageants is if they were to give the impression that the story of the birth of Christ is to be viewed, attended and applauded – and not fully experienced and lived. 

The Christian faith begins to unravel pretty quickly when it becomes a tradition or a production or seen as the flawed institution it undoubtedly is -- when it becomes something to watch unfold from afar with its many rituals, prayers and communities. This is as good of a night as any to ask ourselves: what do I believe? 

I have long been aware that Christmas Eve is an emotionally charged night. Our memories of the past are ever-so present. When we sing “Silent Night” it is the one time all evening I finally catch my breadth. This beloved song causes me to remember those who are no longer part of my Christmases. 

Another song I treasure is the anthem sung by the choir night is Oh Holy Night, which comes from a hymn setting of a French poem. (John Sullivan Dwight’s hymn setting of Frenchman Placide Cappeau’s poem) Oh holy night! The stars are brightly shining It is the night of the dear Savior's birth! Long lay the world in sin and error pining Till he appear'd and the soul felt its worth. A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn! Fall on your knees Oh hear the angel voices Oh night divine Oh night when Christ was born Oh night divine Oh night divine The phrase that stands out for me is this: A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices. 

We know how it can be easy to become weary from the unintended consecrations of the holidays: the rush, travel, expectations, over-consumption and excess. They are a part of the season as much as the pageants, tree trimming and decorations. Many of us accept this is a time of joy and pain, blessing and loss, thankfulness and longing. We live in a weary world. Too much war – in Syria the unfolding tragedy is numbing. Winding down combat in Afghanistan yet still impacted by terrorist attacks that are rewriting the book on what could be considered as senseless slaughter and cruelty. Ebola grips parts of West Africa, having caused fear of those who risk caring for the dying. Civil unrest and protests in the streets of this country. 

Thinking about others is part of Christmas, making it the right thing to do to use tonight’s offering to do some good in our local community and larger world. It is a timely reminder that all is not right in God’s eyes until we all live into the promise of the fullness of life. Jesus said, (John 10:10) “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” 

Whether we are ready or not, Christmas comes each year. During times of war and peace, mourning and rejoicing, recessions and prosperity, loneliness and company. The baby born in Bethlehem and laid in the manger had a name. The name Jesus means “God saves.” 

May God save us this year from being too weary and discouraged by events largely beyond our control. May God save us from only watching the story unfold and not taking our place in it. 

Fall on your knees Oh hear the angel voices Oh night divine Oh night when Christ was born

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