When I decided to live
more intentionally the rhythms of the Christian year, this season of
Christmastide became much richer for me.
As my friends at Conception Abbey put it, "We are just getting
started on Christmas here." The lectionary texts guide us through
Prophets, Psalms, Epistles, and Gospels, urging us to let the full story of
God's "plan for the fullness of
time" (Ephesians 1:10) resound in our hearts. I have great sympathy for preachers seeking
to unfold the great drama of Word made flesh for their congregations; no wonder
some are rather weary this week!
Preaching through Advent and Christmastide, which I
have been privileged to do in a few churches, has given me greater perspective
on the nuances of the story as seen through the varied narratives of
Scripture. Although we tend to harmonize
the gospels in our Christmas plays, nevertheless, as we return to these memory laden texts, we
hear again God's remarkable desire to be near us.
The twelve days of Christmas, that quiet interlude
between Christmas and Epiphany, is not easily understood. Part of the reason for this liturgical
framework is to bridge the nativity with those later visitors. January 6th is traditionally the day that
honors the arrival of the Magi, those prescient travelers from
the East, and some patient folk reserve gift-giving until then. In these days of xenophobia, I relish that
seekers of truth--not believers--are a part of the saga of "God with
us."
The 18th century folk song of French and English
origins, The Twelve Days of Christmas,
may have dubious theological origins, but the imaginative use of it over the
centuries has prompted us to extend the season and think about the larger sweep
of God's work. On this fourth day, at
least by my method of counting, we celebrate "Four Calling Birds,"
presumably an allusion to the Gospels.
How phenomenal that the church would preserve four
very different written testimonies to
the impact of the life of Jesus! Each has its own theological purpose--to
underscore Jesus' continuity with the Hebrew Bible, to portray his messianic
identity, and to express his origin in God, to mention only a few. These multiple attestations offer a more
complete picture, and they provide stronger evidence for the truthfulness of
their claims. I have heard scholars of
classical literature speak appreciatively of this trove early Christianity
possessed.
Year C of the lectionary invites us to dwell in the
Gospel of Luke. I plan to let its unique
word "dwell richly" in me, and I would welcome your company. Luke's message about a comprehensive view of
salvation, wealth and poverty, the power of the Holy Spirit, and the inclusion
of "others" will assist us as we mature in our faith and practice.
Molly T. Marshall
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