Homily for Christmas, 2011

We celebrate again the birth of the Jesus the Lord of all. But really, spiritually, who is he, why do we keep doing this?

In our reading from Isaiah we heard the prophet announce peace, salvation and God’s kingship. Using the poetic imagery of the “sentinels” on the city wall who are normally occupied in watching for approaching enemies but, now sing for joy because they see God returning to his people. Isaiah announces that this saving act of God will be known by the whole world. It is not just for Israel.

Our reading from Hebrews is the prologue of this anonymous epistle. The letter stresses the importance of salvation through Christ – perhaps to Jewish Christians who were tempted to return to Judaism, or to Jews who were interested in becoming Christian. One point these verses make is that Christ is the perfect priest: he is mediator between God and humanity.

Our gospel today is the prologue or introductory chapter of John. The author’s intent is “that you may come to believe that Jesus is the Messiah [the Christ], the Son of God, and that through believing you may have life in his name” (20:31). John begins from God’s creative act: “In the beginning, when God created the heavens and the earth ...” (Genesis 1:1), the Word, he who became a human (v. 14a), already existed. He was “with God” (v. 1) and (with the Father and the Holy Spirit); he was God. He was the agent through whom “all things came into being” (v. 3).

For John, understanding Jesus as the Messiah is not enough nor is understanding him as Son of God as King David was called son of God as an honor. Jesus is not a son of God the way Hercules was a son of Zeus’ philandering. Jesus is God, before the creation – the one who came down to us in flesh through Mary.

Many poets and lyricists have raised and tried to answer the question: Who is Jesus? What is He? I most love the poetry of a very old hymn that goes like this:

What child is this, who, laid to rest
On Mary's lap, is sleeping?
Whom angels greet with anthems sweet,
While shepherds watch are keeping?

This, this is Christ the King,
Whom shepherds guard and angels sing:
Haste, haste to bring him laud,
The Babe, the Son of Mary!

So bring Him incense, gold, and myrrh,
Come peasant king to own Him,
The King of kings, salvation brings,
Let loving hearts enthrone Him.

Raise, raise the song on high,
The Virgin sings her lullaby:
Joy, joy, for Christ is born,
The Babe, the Son of Mary!

Despite all the theologizing done over the millennia, it is an intensely personal question. Obviously he is the savior for us all. And his birth is monunmental for that reason alone. He is also God incarnate, and this is a universal blessing to the human race. But none of these reflections take way the personal level of our Christian experience. We must each step up to the challenge and take the question to the deepest places in our hearts.

How do you think of Jesus and your relationship with him? When you pray, how do you address him? Is he the friend you share your thoughts with or Athe boss@? Is he the miracle worker you reach to for help or the master of Divine wisdom you look to for insight and encouragement? We all call him Lord, and celebrate the birth as Son of God. But taking a moment to ponder how that works itself out in your prayer life is deeply fruitful. Please, sometime during your celebrations, take a brief moment to ask yourself, how you experience him. Then, wish him a happy birthday!