Holy Family
Well, the angels have left us for a while. Having seen that all has been accomplished in accordance with ancient prophecy regarding the Messiah’s birth, and regaled the shepherds with visions of glory and proclamations concerning the Babe of Bethlehem, they’ve returned to heaven; or have they?
Very early in his narrative, Luke reveals the permeability of whatever separates heaven and earth; there is a transcendental dimension in the events he narrates. The messengers of God move freely to and fro, appearing to Zechariah, Mary, Joseph, the shepherds: and the Son of God, once throned in glory, is now laid gently in a manger on earth.
We would like to believe that God’s interventions are orderly and dignified, and we know what’s going on. Surprise! God is not Anglican! Things are not done according to our ideas of decency and order! God’s greatest intervention in the history of humanity was messy, painful and inconvenient for the main players.
Every bed in the Inn was taken, so I daresay there wasn’t much time for cleaning stables… they probably stank of animal manure. A nice place in which to struggle through labour. What with the journey itself, the horrible surroundings, the birth, and a rough group of shepherds with amazing stories about singing angels bursting in, Mary and Joseph must have been emotionally and physically exhausted.
In the 21st century we tend to value logic and reason very highly; the irrational or inexplicable are likely to be put aside. Jesus’ birth flies in the face of both reason and logic. Everything is upside down. When God is involved, human logic and reason cannot always have the last word. There are other ways of knowing.
It all began in Genesis when Abraham heard God’s voice calling him to leave Haran for an unknown destination; he and Sara later entertained angels on their journey. Hebrews speaks of Abraham’s faith through the long years of waiting, and of God’s faithfulness, which Luke emphasises in highlighting the continuity of Jesus’ story with the history of Israel and the fulfilment of the people’s long-cherished hopes. The story spans centuries.
Up to this point God has spoken directly –or via his angels – in this particular tale; in waking hours and through dreams to men, old and young: Abraham, Joseph, the Shepherds, Simeon… also to women; Sara, Mary, Anna. It is recorded that the Spirit provided guidance to Simeon to enter the Temple that day. As an aside, I would like to mention that God spoke directly to the child Samuel, also – and to many others named throughout the Scriptures.
Are they still about, these angels? Does God speak to us?
Mary’s fiat is legendary: her unconditional surrender to God’s will – no matter what the cost. Joseph – that dreamy carpenter – knew God alright, even in his dreams. He could tell it was God – not the effects of too much pudding or an excess of red wine – and acted without hesitation; doing whatever God asked. Accept Mary, it’s OK. Believe that the child is God’s Son. Get up in the middle of the night and head for Egypt. Return – the Holy Child is safe now. The Shepherds knew an angel when they saw one and headed for town, quivering with joy. When Simeon felt the Spirit stirring within he didn’t delay, but made for the Temple: oh the years of waiting, and now God’s promise was come to birth! Anna saw the Child of Mary and instantly knew he was the One who would redeem Israel. Another dark skinned, black haired baby? but she knew.
Mary and Joseph lived in tumultuous times in an occupied country: how mystified and anxious they must have felt after hearing what the prophets said!
In our turn we wonder what 2021 will bring. Will Climate change accelerate to such a degree that the dire prophecies of secular scientists explode uncontrollably? Will the COVD19 vaccination program actually work? Are the Manus Is. detainees to be locked in for life?
In the atmosphere of fear and insecurity that bedevils our society, Christians are God’s messengers, harbingers of hope. The Good News is ours to tell. Mary and Joseph, Simeon and Anna clung to their faith through thick and thin, and God worked astonishing things in and through each of them.
I believe God speaks still. Through the Scriptures, through the Church, through nature: directly - speaking into our inner ears in prayer and worship. Through other people. Through dreams and visions. Probably some here have heard God’s voice and have knowingly and willingly responded to the Spirit’s guidance. I would like to hear about your experiences.
The Living Spirit of God leads the Living Church, with Christ at the head, through learned Scripture, prayer, obedience to God’s commands, gathering for worship. These basic components of Christian practice act like a religious trellis hammered up to support the climbing rose of faith. By itself its nothing, only a wooden trellis creaking in the wind. Without the trellis, faith has nothing to hold on to, nothing for support when the wild winds blow. The trellis of ritual and faithfulness in prayer enables faith to flourish and bloom, lifting the roses out of the dirt and enabling them to turn their faces to the sun.
A flourishing faith nurtures, encourages and comforts everyone in that persons circle of influence, just as the rose emanates its sweet perfume. When we gaze at Jesus the Son of God with eyes of faith and love; we will be drawn closer into God’s embrace. And maybe… maybe… we will be visited by angels
May the Holy Babe of Bethlehem bless you this Christmas tide.