The Rev. Molly F. James, PhD
St. Martin’s, Hartford, CT
1 Christmas, December 29, 2024
Isaiah 61:10-62:3; Galatians 3:23-25; 4:4-7; John 1:1-18; Psalm 147 or 147:13-21
In the name of God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Amen.
There is an interesting thing about the readings for today. When you go to look them up in the lectionary, you will see a note that simply says: “All years.” Normally we have a three year lectionary cycle, A, B, and C. But there is an exemption for the Sunday after Christmas. It doesn’t matter what year it is or whether Christmas was a week ago or yesterday, we will read the same lessons.
When I first discovered this I was annoyed. Dear Lectionary Committee, why would you do that to us? Couldn’t we have some variety for inspiration? Isn’t there another set of readings? Another Gospel we could have today? One that was a bit more Christmas-y. This one is all about Words and Light and seems at times to be more about John the Baptist than the birth of Jesus.
But then I pause and think. Hmm. Well, it probably wasn’t the goal of the Lectionary Committee’s goal to annoy preachers. The repetition of these readings is probably not a lack of creativity on their part. The Lectionary year only started on the first Sunday of Advent, so it’s not like they have run out of possibilities already.
So, that would mean they put this same set of readings here on purpose. Why might they have done that? Oh, you mean there is something about these readings, perhaps about our Gospel in particular that is so important we need to hear it every year? Well, that would make sense.
So what is it about these readings that is so important that we need to hear them every year? That Christmas isn’t really complete without them?
I think it is that these readings go to the heart, the center, the meaning of Christmas. In the readings for our Christmas services we get the story of the birth of Jesus. It’s easy to get focused on lots of elements of that story. Joseph and Mary’s arduous journey. The fact that there is no room for them at the Inn. The tableau of Joseph and Mary and all the animals gathered around the manger. The shepherds being surprised by the angels and then going to visit Jesus. It’s easy to get caught up in the narrative, the story, the images brought to life by so many of our favorite carols.
We need that story. It is an important and profound story of God coming into the world in an unexpected way to unexpected people. It is an essential part of our faith to know that God came as a tiny infant - that there is no part of the human experience which God does not know. The incarnation is indeed central to the Christian faith.
And yet what matters is not just THAT God became fully human in the form of the infant Jesus. It’s that God came into the world FOR us. That is the message that is at the heart of the readings today. Isaiah and Galatians speak of salvation.
The Psalm reminds us of God’s power. Salvation is one of those words that can get said so often we stop focusing on what it means. And we often use it in a nebulous sense that focuses on having the right beliefs to get into heaven.
I do not think that is what is meant by salvation in our readings today, or in our Anglican tradition for that matter. Salvation is not about having a right belief system or saying or doing just the right thing to earn God’s love. On this point our Gospel reading is essential. Note that it says: “From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.” Hear that again: “From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.” Grace has been given to us - all of us - from the fullness of who God is. And not just a sprinkling. We have received grace upon grace. We have received grace in abundance.
Now, it can be easy to think, hmm “grace,” that’s just like “salvation.” Another loaded word we use often without unpacking its meaning. It sounds nice, but what does it really mean? And what does it have to do with our salvation. Well, I think it has everything to do with our salvation.
This grace, this love of God, that came into the world at Christmas truly is life-changing. It is indeed our salvation. It means that no matter what we have done, what we do, or what we don’t do, we are loved by God. It means that there is no error, no misdeed, no wrong decision we can make in our lives that is beyond God’s love or grace or forgiveness. It means that no matter how scary our lives may seem - no matter what is weighing on our hearts - grief, loss, fear, anxiety from the realities of our own lives and communities or just the state of the world - we are never alone in our pain. God is there. Right there. Grace is there. Love is there. Offered again and again no matter the circumstances.
I would guess that we all know people who live out this truth in a way that others can see. They are the people in our lives who are always quick with a smile and a hug. Quick with compassion and humor rather than criticism or anger. Their “joie de vivre” is not superficial or shallow. They are not strangers to the hardships of life or the pain of loss. It’s just that they are quick to find the joy and the blessings while also acknowledging the pain. They hold onto the truth that God’s grace is abundant and ever present as an anchor in the midst of the chaos of life. So when life deals us unexpected challenges, think of and reconnect with those people whose faith is rock solid. Let them be our guides and examples. Let them stand as witnesses to the love of God.
Indeed that is our saving grace, to know in our hearts and in our bones that we are loved. That love always has the last word. That there is no force in this world that can ever be stronger than God’s grace upon grace. Indeed that is a truth that we and the world need to hear again and again.
Our Gospel reminds us that God’s light is shining and the darkness of the world can never overcome it. In case it helps to have a tangible reminder, I have brought some little candles for you all. Don’t worry they are battery operated so they are appropriate for all ages. I hope you might keep this candle somewhere you will see it often, so that you can always remember that God’s abundant love and grace are ever present, even on our hardest days. Amen.