Epiphany C 2018 – The Other Christmas Story

Matthew 2:1-12 (13-17)

Dear Partner in Preaching,

This isn’t the Christmas story most of us shared with the kids and grandkids in our lives. It’s not the Christmas story any of us read on Christmas Eve. And, truth be told, it’s not the Christmas story we like to remember. (And the lectionary, for some reason, spares us the worst part!) But it is in Scripture, and it’s important to take it seriously.

Here are the troubling elements most briefly: An easily threatened and manipulative despot who turns to violence when thwarted; traveling and well-intentioned astrologers/seekers first duped, but then enlightened into resistance; a family on the run for their lives given sanctuary in a foreign land. And then the slaughter of the innocents omitted by the lectionary but necessary, I think, at least to mention, if not read.

Having named even this much, though, it’s hard not to admit that while this may not be the Christmas story we want to hear, it’s a version of the Christmas story that resonates deeply and troublingly with our own times. It is not an exact corollary, we should be clear, and trying to transform it into an allegory by substituting our least favorite leaders for Herod, etc., doesn’t finally do the biblical story justice. But, oh how difficult it is to miss the resonance.

We, too, have too many families on the run from their lands for fear of their lives. We, too, have too many innocents being slaughtered, whether by violence or treatable disease or preventable starvation. We, too, seem to see a plethora of leaders terrified by the prospect of losing power and willing to do almost anything to hang onto it. We, too, see all kinds of well-intentioned people manipulated by individuals, corporations, and governments via social media and countless other ways to view the world in a distorted way. We, too, see some who have become wise to the machinations of others stand firm in their resistance. So while this may not be the Christmas story we prefer, it does feel like a more realistic account of events.

But before succumbing once again to the temptation of allegory that slams our opponents and validates our own convictions, and while noting these echoes and patterns that seems consistent across the centuries, let’s note that this isn’t intrigue and machinations and plots and violence in general, or even for the gain of political power or wealth, but rather that all of this is provoked by the promise of God’s coming messiah and the salvation he will bring.

What is so threatening about God’s salvation, mercy, and grace? Simply that it is a stark reminder that we need salvation, mercy, and grace. That we are not in control. That we, no more than Herod “and all of Jerusalem,” do not have the final say in how the world, or even our lives, will run.

Jesus comes, and as we heard ancient Simeon say before he died, and he will be a sign to be opposed. So it was then. So it is now.

But let’s also note that what is constant across the centuries is not simply that Jesus occasions opposition, but that he comes. That he comes in love and mercy. That he comes to save. That he comes for all, leaving out no one who admits their need. And let’s note God’s consistent action to side with the oppressed and save those who are in need. God works through the magi, God warns in dreams, God helps the family take flight, God provides shelter and sanctuary in Egypt. Very little of this is what the various characters in the story would have hoped for or planned, yet none of it is devoid of God’s presence.

So it was then. So it is now.

This isn’t an easy sermon to preach, let’s admit that, Dear Partner. But it’s a necessary one to hear. That the world is difficult. That many entrusted with power are not trustworthy. That many who are well intentioned will fall prey to manipulation. That far, far too many children are threatened and sacrificed to violence. But also that God is still at work. At work for the sake of the vulnerable. At work for on behalf of those fleeing violence. At works for the sake of the world. And not only in mysterious or intangible ways, but also through us. God is fashioning the people in our pews to do God’s work in the world. To take stands against leaders who manipulate through fear. To offer shelter and sanctuary. To advocate those who have had to flee their homes. Who resist oppression and violence and manipulation.

God is at work in us fashioning us to be bearers of the light that has come into the world, the light that the darkness neither understands nor has overcome. God is at work fashioning, that is, an Epiphany people, people of the light, people who know that the joy and grace of Christmas is not a gift to be admired but one to be put to work for the sake of the world God loves so much.

Your sermon will help in this work, Dear Partner, and I’m grateful for your courage and fidelity in proclaiming it. Blessings to you in this new year of Grace.

Yours in Christ,
David

PS: I had neither planned nor anticipated taking the last couple of weeks off, but was grateful for the time to focus a little more on my parish and family. Thanks for understanding.