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Observations of Christmas
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December 16, 2022
As we approach Christmas I am reminded of the story of the birth of Jesus. The unfolding scene depicts shepherds tending their flocks and Magi who travel a great distance to pay homage to Jesus, and a murderous tyrant named Herod who tried to kill
the child.
The bible is silent on the day or the time of year when Mary gave birth. While tradition claims that three wise men arrived shortly after the birth of Jesus; that is probably incorrect.
The gospel narrative seems to suggest that the Magi arrived up to two years later; at the “home” of Mary and not at the stable. The number of Magi is unknown. When they arrived in Bethlehem, Herod inquired about the birth and the timing of the star’s appearance. He did this to ascertain the specifics of the new king’s birth so he could kill him. Based on the information he received from the Magi; Herod ordered the death of all males up to two years in age. These became the first martyrs.
The young family, it seems, called Bethlehem their home until an angel warned Joseph to flee to Egypt. Jesus might’ve been around 2 years of age at this point.
There is much we could talk about in this story. Referencing Herod and the inn keeper we could look at the way society tries to silence the light of Christ. We could reflect on how we might do that ourselves. Historically, man has always tried to extinguish the flame of Christ, he’s always tried to contain it and perhaps make it more palatable, more congenial, to his culture. Herod’s spirit and that of the inn keeper are alive and well in our 21st century. If we cannot kill the child let’s at least make him more agreeable to our beliefs. Let’s change his message to one that makes sense to us, Then and only then can he be King to us.
Christ does not give us that option. He is either Lord or he is not. We have to accept Christ on his terms.
Jesus was not just a good man, He was not just a great philosopher or prophet. He is the Son of the Living God. Born, died, resurrected and seated at the right hand of the Father. He is the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. No relativism here. You either take Christ as Christ or you don’t.
In the birth story we see lots of observers but there were a few that stood out as more than simple onlookers. The Magi for example certainly believed in the mission. They were committed in a way that altered their life. They were more than observers.
Likewise, the shepherds heeded the angel and drew in closely to Christ, but most of the other characters were observers. These observers heard about this child who was born, destined to be a king they were told. Many of these observers admired him from afar. Perhaps they had an ongoing agreement that said if you don’t bother me I won’t bother you.
As time went on there would be many observers of Jesus. Some would start out as observers and later become serious followers but most of those observers would shout crucify him years later.
It’s not enough for us to remain observers. Simple mental ascent without any meaningful change within makes you an observer. God does not allow us that prerogative. He expects us to make a radical interior decision to follow him. Observers become true followers when their outward life mimics a profound interior change of heart. God said to Ezekiel the time is coming when I will give you a heart of flesh and remove your heart of stone. The change of life is within our grasp but only God can give it to us. Have you prayed for it?
Our faith is not a hand-me-down faith. It’s not important what your parents believed. God asks you personally, what do you believe? But more importantly how has that belief changed you? The Magi were more than casual observers. Their belief changed the course of their lives as it should our own.
The birth of Jesus, while depicting a beautiful pastoral scene, hits us squarely in the jaw and demands an answer. If we claim to know him then we cannot remain observers. There are no ambivalent believers in Heaven.