Heb 1:1-4 (NRSV) Long ago God spoke to our ancestors in many and various ways by the prophets, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, through whom he also created the worlds. 3 He is the reflection of God's glory and the exact imprint of God's very being, and he sustains all things by his powerful word. When he had made purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, 4 having become as much superior to angels as the name he has inherited is more excellent than theirs.
There
is no other day in the
year quite like Christmas. We have the usual Christmas
morning traditions that may vary from family to family but probably
includes the exchanging of gifts. The presence of children may cause
the day to begin a little earlier than usual. Many of us were at
church last night for the Candlelight Christmas Eve Service. We have
been taking part in special Christmas activities for a couple of weeks
now. Some of these activities may have been new, others are part of
our family, church, or community traditions. Christmas music staring
playing in ths stores shortly after Halloween this year!
Perhaps this seems like a bit of overkill (or too much of a good thing
if you will). But in the midst of it all we need to remember what
Christmas is about.
What do we celebrate today? We celebrate the power of God’s Word. John reminds us that “in the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God.” We remember how God spoke and things came into being. God said “Let there be light” and there was light! We remember how God’s Word was given to the Prophets to proclaim to a people who were rebellious, forgetful, sinful, but still loved by the Almighty.
Then “in these last days he has spoken to us by a Son.” The Word of God became flesh and dwelt among us. This is the Word “through whom he also created the worlds” and who is “the exact imprint of God's very being.” Today we remember that in the Incarnation, God has chosen to come to us as a child. He becomes a rabbi who is “hated and despised.” He becomes a lamb that is slaughtered. He continues to give his Word that those “who have ears may hear.”
Nevertheless, this Word of God is crucified.
The author of Hebrews reminds us that in doing this “he had made purification for sins, [and] sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.” From there the Word of God continues to speak as redeemed sinners stand before the Throne of Judgment. “Forgiven!”
Christmas is about God’s Word of Love. Christmas is about being called as God’s lovers in the world.
Alan P. Swartz