The Other Half of the Christmas Story

Christmas Day

John 1.1-14

St. Gregory’s, Long Beach

Last night, on Christmas Eve, we heard what is considered the iconic story of the Incarnation. The story of Jesus’ birth in Bethlehem. Of a young woman nine months pregnant and her husband traveling to Bethlehem for the purpose of enrolling in a mandated census. Upon arriving in Bethlehem, it comes time for her to deliver her child. But there are so many people in town for the census that there is no room in any of the inns for them to have a proper place to stay. All that is available is a stable filled with animals. She needs some place to give birth, so this would have to do. So there she gives birth to her baby – the One foretold by the prophets. An event that is announced to shepherds in the field outside of town by an angel proclaiming, “I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people.” A birth heralded by choirs of the heavenly hosts singing “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace among those whom he favors!” Upon hearing the glorious news, the shepherds rush to the manger in Bethlehem to witness this wondrous event. As they look on the baby with adoring eyes, they see the truth for themselves, and excitedly tell of the angelic visitation and the message of joy and hope the angels proclaimed.

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Why We Need Christmas

Christmas Eve

Luke 2.1-20

St. Gregory’s, Long Beach

Every year, on this holy night, we hear the words of Luke, recounting the iconic story of Christmas. A story that in memories of Christmases past and even now in our hearing, conjures warm and fuzzy images and feelings. Jesus, the Son of God, the savior of the world, the one foretold by the prophets of old as Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. A birth in a manger, aglow with the love of his mother Mary, the love of his heavenly Father, under the watchful eye of his human father Joseph. A birth announced to a band of shepherds lovingly caring for their flocks. To whom the angels bid, “Do not be afraid; for see – I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people.” A birth heralded by choirs of angels singing “Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace among those whom he favors!” Shepherds who rush to the manger in Bethlehem to witness this glorious event. Who look on with adoring eyes at the miracle before them. Who excitedly tell of the angelic visitation. All these images, memorialized in the hymns and carols we sing in this most holy of seasons.

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Building Our Highway in the Wilderness

Second Sunday of Advent (Year B)

Isaiah 40.1-11; Mark 1.1-8

St. Gregory’s, Long Beach

A voice cries out:

“In the wilderness prepare the way of the Lord,
make straight in the desert a highway for our God.  

                                                                    (Is 40.3-5)

We hear these words, or variations thereof, twice in today’s readings for the Second Sunday of Advent. First in their original context as written by the Prophet Isaiah and then again in summary form in Mark’s Gospel. Having them repeated throughout our lectionary readings would indicate that these words are to be paid attention to. That there is a message we are meant to hear. For indeed these words are at the very heart of Advent. They are what the entire season of Advent is about.

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"Keep Awake"

First Sunday of Advent (Year B)

Isaiah 64.1-9; 1 Corinthians 1.3-9; Mark 13.24-37

St. Gregory’s, Long Beach

As we begin this season of Advent, it is worth a little refresher as to just what Advent is about. After all, it’s been a whole year since we last did this. The word “advent” simply means “coming.” And of course, in the Christian context, Advent is about the coming of Christ. Occurring post-Thanksgiving, in the run-up to Christmas, when we (and pretty much everyone else around us) are anxiously anticipating and frantically preparing for Christmas, we naturally equate Advent with the coming of Christ at Christmas. Well, half right. Actually, only about a quarter right. Advent is certainly a season of expectant anticipation and preparation for the coming of our Lord into the world. But Advent is not just about preparing for the birth of the Christ child.

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