In a few days it will be Christmas Eve. For me, it is the holiest night of the year, the whole essence of Christmas wrapped up in a few short hours. O yes, Christmas Day with the exchange and opening of gifts, the gathering of family, the turkey and all that goes with it is wonderful. But, for me, Christmas Eve is the real deal.
My family did not speak the word “savior”. In fact, the first time I became aware of that term was with the airing of A Charlie Brown Christmas, the classic holiday cartoon, first aired on television in 1965. Poor Charlie Brown! No one remembered the true meaning of Christmas. He was so depressed! At the climax of the show, he cried out in frustration, “Isn’t there anyone who knows what Christmas is all about?”
His friend Linus stepped on stage and recited verses from Luke 2: “And the angel said unto them, Fear not . . . for unto you is born this day in the city of David, a Savior which is Christ the Lord.”
It would not be until I began theological studies 15 years later that the term “savior” would take on meaning - but perhaps not in the way one might expect. You see, as part of my studies, the class was required to read the book “Freeing Jesus” by Marcus Borg. Even the term “freeing” is not what you think it might be (but that is for another time). If you ever get the chance, I hope you’ll read it because it is theologically open, and inviting, not narrow as some people too often (and sadly) define Jesus as savior. Hereunder is a quote from Marcus which sheds some light on the word “savior”:
Roman imperial theology is the oppositional context for much of early Christian language about Jesus. The gospels, Paul’s letters, and the other New Testament writings use the language of imperial theology, but apply it to Jesus. Jesus is the “Son of God” — the emperor is not. Jesus is the “Lord” — the emperor is not. Jesus is the “Savior” who brings “peace on earth” — the emperor is not.
Over the years I have come to realize that to see Jesus as savior is an on-going, ever evolving experience of love, kindness, compassion, acceptance, hope, forgiveness and, sadly, sometimes even having to just walk away.
As we celebrate our last Christmas Eve service at our beloved SouthWest United, I would like to focus on one word for the next few days; and that is “hope”.
I must include my beloved Christmas Mary in this invitation. Mary must have had to dig deep into her very being to find hope many times through her journey as Mother of the Savior. And I am sure that finding hope for Mary also included some fear, some sadness and even some despair.
As we celebrate this last Christmas Eve at SouthWest, we too are standing in the need of “hope”. Hope for a gentle and easy transition to Summerlea (or whatever choice you may have made). Hope for the continuity of community and relationship built over many years. Hope that what ever the future holds, Spirit will be guiding our path.
Mary did not know that, more than 2,000 years later, her child would still be called “a saviour which is Christ the Lord”. Perhaps she had hope that he would. But she could not be sure, could she? That would be left to a holy power.
I wish I had exceptional words to leave you with as we approach Christmas Eve 2022.
Perhaps it would be enough to leave you with the words of a “hymn” which changed my view of the savior for ever. Please breathe them in and let them calm any uncertainties you might be feeling into “hope”.
Mary, Did You Know?
Mary, did you know that your baby boy
Would one day walk on water?
Mary, did you know that your baby boy
Would save our sons and daughters?
Did you know that your baby boy
Has come to make you new?
This child that you delivered, will soon deliver you
Mary, did you know that your baby boy
Will give sight to a blind man?
Mary, did you know that your baby boy
Will calm the storm with his hand?
Did you know that your baby boy
Has walked where angels trod?
When you kiss your little baby
You kiss the face of God
Mary, did you know?
Mary, did you know?
Mary, did you know? Did you know?
Mary, did you know? Mary, did you know?
Mary, did you know? Mary, did you know?
Mary, did you know? Mary, did you know?
The blind will see, the deaf will hear
The dead will live again
The lame will leap, the dumb will speak
The praises of the Lamb
Mary, did you know that your baby boy
Is Lord of all creation?
Mary, did you know that your baby boy
Would one day rule the nations?
Did you know that your baby boy
Is heaven's perfect Lamb?
That sleeping child you're holding is the great, I Am
Mary, did you know? (Mary, did you know?)
Mary, did you know? (Mary, did you know?)
Mary, did you know? Oh
Songwriters: Mark Lowry / Buddy Greene
Mary, Did You Know? lyrics © Greensleeves Publishing Limited, Word Music, Lic.