Transcript 2016-12-24 Sermon

A BEAUTIFUL TIME OF YEAR
The Nativity of Our Lord; Christmas Eve (Year A)
December 24, 2016
Lessons
Isaiah 9:2-7
Psalm 96
Titus 2:11-14
St. Luke 2:1-14 [15-20]
Prayer of the Day
Pastor David J. Risendal
www.OneLittleWord.org
[email protected]
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Saint Peter Lutheran Church
9300 East Belleview Avenue
Greenwood Village, CO 80111
voice: 303/770-9300
fax: 303/770-9301
www.StPLC.org
facebook.com/StPLC
Almighty God, you made this holy night shine
with the brightness of the true light.
Grant that here on earth we may walk
in the light of Jesus’ presence
and in the last day wake to the brightness of his glory;
through your Son, Jesus Christ our Lord,
who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God,
now and forever. Amen.
the heart of our faith
Immanuel; God with us
with each one of us
Sermon
On behalf of all of us here at Saint Peter, to you and your families, and especially
to those of you who are guests with us tonight, let me wish you a very merry
Christmas. Our prayer is that the Christ who was born in Bethlehem some two
thousand years ago will be born anew in your hearts and your homes, and that this
year’s celebration of Christmas might be one that inspires, strengthens, and
confirms your faith. Merry Christmas to you all. And thank you for spending at least
a part of it here with us at Saint Peter.
It is a beautiful time of year, isn’t it? It’s so easy to love Christmastime. I’m
grateful for the fresh blanket of snow. I grew up in the Minneapolis area, and during
fourteen years in Phoenix I never quite got used to brown Christmas seasons.
I’m grateful for the decorations — especially the outdoor lights and displays —
they look so much better to me when they are surrounded by snow. Our house, like
many of yours, I assume, “is beginning to look a lot like Christmas” on the inside as
The Nativity of Our Lord; Christmas Eve — Year A (December 24, 2016)
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well, and I love the way this draws us into the story of the season. And can I say a
word of thanks to the D.E.S.I.G.N. Team here at Saint Peter for making this room
look so festive? They always do such a wonderful job. This year it looks especially
breathtaking.
I’m grateful for the music of this season. It is fun to hear classics like “White
Christmas” and “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” on the radio and in the malls. These
songs formed the soundtrack for my early experiences of Christmas, and they
continue to stir my heart each year. But it is even better to be here this evening and
have our musicians lead us in the hymns and carols of our faith tradition. Martin
Luther is often quoted as having said “He who sings prays twice.” 1 — so we will do a
lot of praying this Christmas Eve, and I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
I love the gifts we share. The gifts that are offered to family and friends as a sign
of the love we have for each other, and the gifts that are offered to those in need, as
a sign of our willingness to make a difference in this world. It has been an especially
busy season at Saint Peter in that regard this year with so many Christmas season
and year-end appeals for us to be generous with others. I am touched by the
responses so many of you have made, and am confident that lives will be changed
because of it.
It is a beautiful time of year, isn’t it? In so many ways.
That said... it can also be a challenging time of year. In our country we have this
image of the perfect Christmas — a kind of a Norman Rockwell Christmas — where
the family is gathered in their Sunday best, the table is impeccably set, and the
room rings with peace and joy. That isn’t always the reality, is it? We have just
emerged from a contentious political season; a time when patience has been tested
and friendships have been strained. A number of us will gather at the table this
weekend, feeling the loss of loved ones.There have been struggles and uncertainties
for some of us at work or at school or in the neighborhood. Family relationships are
not always as easy as we might wish they were. Amidst all the talk of joy and
beauty, there are those who face significant struggles during this festive season.
It is a beautiful time of year. But we live in the real world, where brokenness is
never far away.
The Prophet Isaiah understood this. He lived during a challenging time, some 750
years before the birth of Jesus. As a young man, Isaiah watched while Israel (the
northern kingdom of God’s people) was overrun by the Assyrians. And book in the
Hebrew Bible bearing his name speaks to the time when Judah (the southern
kingdom of God’s people) was sacked by the Babylonians. Most of Israel's leading
citizens were taken captive, and detained in a foreign land. They lost their homes,
1
Martin Luther, most likely paraphrasing Augustine of Hippo: “For he who sings praise, does not only praise,
but also praises joyously; he who sings praise, is not only singing, but also loving Him whom he is singing
about. There is a praise-filled public proclamation in the praise of someone who is confessing God, in the
song of the lover there is deep love.” (Corpus Christianorum Latinorum, vol. 39, 986).
The Nativity of Our Lord; Christmas Eve — Year A (December 24, 2016)
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their country, their freedom, their heritage… Brokenness was no stranger to the
people of God who lived during Isaiah’s lifetime.
Yet Isaiah’s message to them is an encouragement never to give up on the hope
that is theirs. God is not one who forgets promises that have been made. So look,
here: a child is born. A son is given. And his name is Wonderful Counselor, Mighty
God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. The people of Judah understood what this
meant. Their Babylonian captivity — a sign that their relationship with God had gone
bad — as difficult as it was, would end, and they would know salvation again.
It happened for them, of course. Cyrus of Persia conquered Babylon, and allowed
God’s people to return to their homes. They understood this as a gift from God. And
2,000 years ago, in a stable outside an inn that was filled to capacity, it happened to
us. Immanuel. God with us. We celebrate it every year with decorations and music
and gifts and gatherings. But what does this really mean? What does it mean for us
to profess that this newborn baby in Bethlehem is Immanuel? God with us?
Here's what this means: we have a God who cares enough to become one with
us. To live among us. To know, first-hand, the life we lead. To walk along with us in
a way that gives us comfort and peace and strength. Now this is not always an easy
reality to experience. There are times when God seems mysterious and hard to
reach. There are times when Christian faith can feel more like theory than practical
reality. There are times when we imagine God to be distant and uninvolved in our
lives. Simply put: it can be challenging, sometimes, especially when the brokenness
of the world comes in upon us, to hold fast to our faith. This is such a profound
reality that it causes some of us to doubt God’s very existence. That’s the way we
are as humans. The mystery and wonder of God’s presence among us can be a lifechanging power, but we want empirical proof. Something we can touch and see and
taste and measure. Only then will we allow ourselves to believe it.
Well, that is why there is such a thing as Christmas. That is why God chooses to
be born among us. And so we are given — not lofty theological or philosophical
premises to memorize, categorize, analyze and embrace — but a baby born in a
manger. A human, capable of experiencing the joys and sorrows that are part of
life’s journey. A God whom people could see, and in whom they could believe. Ours
is an incarnational faith — a faith in which the holy takes physical form. That is most
clearly seen in the manger, in the stable, in Bethlehem some 2,000 years ago. But it
continues to be evident today. God continues to come to us today: in the quite
moment of inspiration; in the concrete messy realities of community; in the act of
love and compassion; in the word proclaimed; in the bread and wine of the
Eucharist…
Has it been a difficult year for you? Are you distressed about the state of political
affairs in our country? Are you missing someone who was at the Christmas table last
year? Are there struggles at home or at work? Are you facing a challenge that
seems daunting?
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The image of this Newborn King, lying in the poverty of a stable's manger, is both
the fulfillment of Isaiah's hope, and the promise of God to you. You are not alone.
You are not left to your own devices. But the God who promised new life to the
faithful of Judah, as they were held captive in a foreign land — that same God
promises new life to you and to me, no matter how broken our life, our experience,
our relationships, even our faith might be.
It is a beautiful time of year. And the beauty runs far deeper than decorations,
music, gifts and gatherings. It has to do with the beautiful, mysterious, powerful,
redeeming presence of God in our lives. A presence that at times can seem distant
and elusive; and at times can seem intimate and transformative. A presence that at
this time of year can be as tangible and tactile as the presence of a newborn baby,
swaddled in a manger, presented to the world as a sign of God's presence with us
and for us
This is the Christmas message. And whatever has drawn you here tonight, know
that this message is for you.
Amen.
David J. Risendal, Pastor
Gospel Lesson; English Text
2
2.1
In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world
should be registered. 2 This was the first registration and was taken while
Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 All went to their own towns to be registered.
4
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. 5 He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and
who was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for her to
deliver her child. 7 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. 8 In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping
watch over their flock by night. 9 Then an angel of the Lord stood before them,
and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 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: 11 to you is born this day in the city of
David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign for you: you
will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” 13 And
suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising
God and saying, 14 “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace
among those whom he favors!”
[ 15 When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds
said to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has
taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16 So they went with haste
2
A list of Bible lessons for the coming weeks is available at www.elca.org/Lectionary.
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and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. 17 When they
saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; 18 and all
who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. 19 But Mary
treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds
returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had
been told them.] 3
Gospel Lesson; Greek Text:
2.1
Ἐγένετο δὲ ἐν ται ̂ς ἡµέραις ἐκείναις ἐξη̂λθεν δόγµα παρὰ Καίσαρος
Αὐγούστου ἀπογράφεσθαι πα̂ σαν τὴν οἰκουµένην. 2 αὕτη ἀπογραφὴ πρώτη
ἐγένετο ἡγεµονεύοντος τη̂ς Συρίας Κυρηνίου. 3 και ̀ ἐπορεύοντο πάντες
ἀπογράφεσθαι, ἕκαστος εἰς τὴν ἑαυτου̂ πόλιν. 4 Ἀνέβη δὲ και ̀ Ἰωσὴφ ἀπὸ τη̂ς
Γαλιλαίας ἐκ πόλεως Ναζαρὲθ εἰς τὴν Ἰουδαίαν εἰς πόλιν Δαυι ̀δ ἥτις καλει ̂ται
̂
Βηθλέεµ, διὰ τὸ εἰναι
αὐτὸν ἐξ οἴκου και ̀ πατρια̂ ς Δαυίδ, 5 ἀπογράψασθαι σὺν
̂
Μαριὰµ τῃ̂ ἐµνηστευµένῃ αὐτῳ̂ , οὔσῃ ἐγκύῳ. 6 Ἐγένετο δὲ ἐν τῳ̂ εἰναι
αὐτοὺς
7
ἐκει ̂ ἐπλήσθησαν αἱ ἡµέραι του̂ τεκει ̂ν αὐτήν, και ̀ ἔτεκεν τὸν υἱὸν αὐτη̂ς τὸν
πρωτότοκον, και ̀ ἐσπαργάνωσεν αὐτὸν και ̀ ἀνέκλινεν αὐτὸν ἐν φάτνῃ, διότι οὐκ
ἠ̂ν αὐτοι ̂ς τόπος ἐν τῳ̂ καταλύµατι. 8 Και ̀ ποιµένες ἠ̂σαν ἐν τῃ̂ χώρᾳ τῃ̂ αὐτῃ̂
ἀγραυλου̂ντες και ̀ φυλάσσοντες φυλακὰς τη̂ς νυκτὸς ἐπι ̀ τὴν ποίµνην αὐτω̂ ν. 9
και ̀ ἄγγελος κυρίου ἐπέστη αὐτοι ̂ς και ̀ δόξα κυρίου περιέλαµψεν αὐτούς, και ̀
̂
ἐφοβήθησαν φόβον µέγαν. 10 και ̀ εἰπεν
αὐτοι ̂ς ὁ ἄγγελος µὴ φοβει ̂σθε, ἰδοὺ γὰρ
̂ν
εὐαγγελίζοµαι ὑµι χαρὰν µεγάλην ἥτις ἔσται παντι ̀ τῳ̂ λαῳ̂ , 11 ὅτι ἐτέχθη ὑµι ̂ν
σήµερον σωτὴρ ὅς ἐστιν χριστὸς κύριος ἐν πόλει Δαυίδ. 12 και ̀ του̂το ὑµι ̂ν τὸ
σηµει ̂ον, εὑρήσετε βρέφος ἐσπαργανωµένον και ̀ κείµενον ἐν φάτνῃ. 13 και ̀
ἐξαίφνης ἐγένετο σὺν τῳ̂ ἀγγέλῳ πλη̂θος στρατια̂ ς οὐρανίου αἰνούντων τὸν
θεὸν και ̀ λεγόντων 14 δόξα ἐν ὑψίστοις θεῳ̂ και ̀ ἐπι ̀ γη̂ς εἰρήνη ἐν ἀνθρώποις
εὐδοκίας.
[ 15 Και ̀ ἐγένετο ὡς ἀπη̂λθον ἀπ’ αὐτω̂ ν εἰς τὸν οὐρανὸν οἱ ἄγγελοι, οἱ
ποιµένες ἐλάλουν πρὸς ἀλλήλους διέλθωµεν δὴ ἕως Βηθλέεµ και ̀ ἴδωµεν τὸ
ῥη̂µα του̂το τὸ γεγονὸς ὃ ὁ κύριος ἐγνώρισεν ἡµι ̂ν. 16 και ̀ ἠ̂λθαν σπεύσαντες και ̀
ἀνευ̂ραν τήν τε Μαριὰµ και ̀ τὸν Ἰωσὴφ και ̀ τὸ βρέφος κείµενον ἐν τῃ̂ φάτνῃ 17
ἰδόντες δὲ ἐγνώρισαν περι ̀ του̂ ῥήµατος του̂ λαληθέντος αὐτοι ̂ς περι ̀ του̂ παιδίου
τούτου. 18 και ̀ πάντες οἱ ἀκούσαντες ἐθαύµασαν περι ̀ τω̂ ν λαληθέντων ὑπὸ τω̂ ν
ποιµένων πρὸς αὐτούς 19 ἡ δὲ Μαριὰµ πάντα συνετήρει τὰ ῥήµατα ταυ̂τα
συµβάλλουσα ἐν τῃ̂ καρδίᾳ αὐτη̂ς. 20 και ̀ ὑπέστρεψαν οἱ ποιµένες δοξάζοντες και ̀
̂
αἰνου̂ντες τὸν θεὸν ἐπι ̀ πα̂ σιν οἱς̂ ἤκουσαν και ̀ εἰδον
καθὼ ς ἐλαλήθη πρὸς
4
αὐτούς.]
First Lesson; English Text:
9.2
The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who
lived in a land of deep darkness— on them light has shined. 3 You have
multiplied the nation, you have increased its joy; they rejoice before you as
3
St. Luke 2:1-14 [15-20], New Revised Standard Version Bible, op. cit.
4
St. Luke 2:1-14 [15-20], The Greek New Testament, Aland, Kurt, Black, Matthew, Martini, Carlo M.,
Metzger, Bruce M., and Wikgren, Allen, (© 1983, Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft Stuttgart).
The Nativity of Our Lord; Christmas Eve — Year A (December 24, 2016)
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with joy at the harvest, as people exult when dividing plunder. 4 For the yoke of
their burden, and the bar across their shoulders, the rod of their oppressor, you
have broken as on the day of Midian. 5 For all the boots of the tramping
warriors and all the garments rolled in blood shall be burned as fuel for the fire.
6
For a child has been born for us, a son given to us; authority rests upon his
shoulders; and he is named Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting
Father, Prince of Peace. 7 His authority shall grow continually, and there shall be
endless peace for the throne of David and his kingdom. He will establish and
uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time onward and
forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this. 5
Second Lesson; English Text:
2.11
For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all, 12 training us
to renounce impiety and worldly passions, and in the present age to live lives
that are self-controlled, upright, and godly, 13 while we wait for the blessed
hope and the manifestation of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus
Christ. 14 He it is who gave himself for us that he might redeem us from all
iniquity and purify for himself a people of his own who are zealous for good
deeds. 6
Second Lesson; Greek Text:
2.11
Ἐπεφάνη γὰρ ἡ χάρις τοῦ θεοῦ σωτήριος πᾶσιν ἀνθρώποις 12παιδεύουσα
ἡµᾶς, ἵνα ἀρνησάµενοι τὴν ἀσέβειαν καὶ τὰς κοσµικὰς ἐπιθυµίας σωφρόνως καὶ
δικαίως καὶ εὐσεβῶς ζήσωµεν ἐν τῷ νῦν αἰῶνι, 13προσδεχόµενοι τὴν µακαρίαν
ἐλπίδα καὶ ἐπιφάνειαν τῆς δόξης τοῦ µεγάλου θεοῦ καὶ σωτῆρος ἡµῶν Ἰησοῦ
Χριστοῦ, 14ὃς ἔδωκεν ἑαυτὸν ὑπὲρ ἡµῶν, ἵνα λυτρώσηται ἡµᾶς ἀπὸ πάσης
ἀνοµίας καὶ καθαρίσῃ ἑαυτῷ λαὸν περιούσιον, ζηλωτὴν καλῶν ἔργων. 7
5
Isaiah 9:2-7, New Revised Standard Version Bible, op. cit.
6
Titus 2:11-14, New Revised Standard Version Bible, op. cit.
7
Titus 2:11-14, The Greek New Testament, op. cit.