Readings for Christmas:
Isaiah 9:2-7; Luke 2:1-20
December 25, 2007
The Rev. Karen Faye Siegfriedt
St. Jude the Apostle Episcopal Church, Cupertino, CA
“The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light; those who lived in a land of deep darkness, on them light has shined.” [Isaiah 9]
There are many images that come to my mind when I think of the season of Christmas: Light overcoming darkness, hope, freedom, peace, angels, shepherds, the Madonna and child, savior, Bethlehem, a shining star, a baby lying in a manger, snowflakes, Christmas carols, decorations, presents, glory to God in the highest. But what stands out for me most this year, is the image of an evergreen tree.
Evergreen trees are quite popular during the month of December probably because they remain green throughout the winter months. In ancient times, evergreen trees were viewed as sacred symbols. People would celebrate their presence especially when the days were short and darkness prevailed. The ancient custom of being enamored by evergreen trees continued down through the centuries, especially in European countries. By the 16th century, people began cutting them down and bringing them into their homes to celebrate the season of Christmas.
Outside my bedroom door, is a Monterey pine. When we bought the rectory seven years ago, this tree was sitting in a pot, looking rather sickly at about 24” high. It was probably given to the previous owner as a Christmas gift; a small plant to place on the table as a decoration. For the first few years, I watered the tree, placed it in the sun, and hoped that it would be revived. But since it was so root-bound, it lacked the necessary nourishment and space to grow. Finally, I bit the bullet, dug a hole, and planted the tree in the soil in the back patio. Over a period of 4 years, this tree has grown from 2 feet to almost 25 feet high, spreading out its branches and reaching to new heights every month.
This tree thrives in my back yard. Its roots are no longer bound and are able to reach into the rich soil. They can freely extract water and the necessary nutrients that are vital to the tree’s well being. I am amazed at its rapid growth and it makes me realize how important it is to be nourished in the right environment.
When I think of this pine tree and its nourishing soil, I am reminded of the nourishing environment that God has provided us in Jesus Christ. Though the word of God existed from the beginning, in the person of Jesus, God’s word for humanity became loud and clear. This word “became flesh and lived among us, full of grace and truth. And from his fullness, we have received grace upon grace.” [Jn. 1] As I sink my roots into this life of grace and truth, I am more able to thrive and grow into the person God created me to be.
This soil of truth was embodied by Jesus. It calls each one of us to love abundantly, to forgive without counting, to care for one another, to work for justice in the face of danger, to give generously, to protect the weak, to seek peace at all cost, to heal the sick, feed the hungry, protect the poor, to pray and worship, and to love the Lord our God with all our heart, mind, soul, and body. And the grace of God gives us the power and the willingness to pursue this truth as well as the desire to grow and be transformed into the likeness of Christ. With God’s grace, all things become possible.
Unfortunately, instead of sinking our roots into this soil of grace and truth, we often settle for life in a shallow pot, living sickly lives, and diminishing our potential to be fully alive. But each year when the days become short and the nights become long, the spirit of Christmas, the spirit of grace and truth, tries to crack open our shallow pot, enticing us to send down a root into the Light that has come into the world.
Grace and truth are at the heart of what this season of Christmas is about. It is not just about a memory of a baby lying in a manger some 2000 years ago. It is not simply an interesting piece of history or a beautiful legend from a distant and simpler world. Christmas is good news, about my life and yours, and everyone who is prepared to hear it and embrace it. And the good news is this: God is not somewhere out there beyond the reach of the lens of the Hubble telescope. God is with us and among us. So if you are looking to experience the Christmas joy of God being with us, if you are seeking a life seeped in hope and love, then simply say “yes” to God. And then, allow the grace and truth of Christ to shine in your life.
| Updated December 28, 2007 |
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