Wednesday, December 14, 2016

                Oh dear! The Weather Network is reporting that due to climate change the reindeer in Norway are becoming smaller. I don’t know why but the consequences are staggering!

What is Santa going to do if he ever has to replace old, dependable Donner or Blitzen?  The good, old boy may have to shed more than a few pounds to ease the load on the reindeer pulling his sleigh.  Maybe, he is going to have to make two or three trips on Christmas Eve so as not to weigh his sleigh down because the smaller reindeer can’t pull as much.  That will wreak havoc with an already tight schedule.  Maybe, Santa is going to have to add an extra team of reindeer, like Bob and Sally the reindeer couple.   Then his overhead costs go up due to extra feed, grooming and practice, training runs. Can those tiny, little feet and spindly legs handle roof landings safely? Is PETA aware of all the added burden on these vulnerable animals?

Oh dear, something else to worry about and add anxiety over this Christmas Season. Like I needed more! Wasn’t Donald Trump enough for one year?

Although my tongue is planted firmly in my cheek, I will admit there have been a number of very real concerns which have added tangible worry and stress to our Christmas this year.  By and large, I think that we are handling it with faithfulness and confidence but it is emotionally draining and strenuous nonetheless.  It has been difficult to fully engage in the Christmas Spirit, so far. Susan and I are telling each other that the main thing is for our family to be together on Christmas Day. I heard on the radio that this sentiment is a popular one for the majority of those polled. I don’t necessarily think that is such a bad thing.

It makes me think about Joseph, tossing and turning on his bed, worrying about his engagement with Mary and what he should do. It was humiliating that she was pregnant and he was not the father. It was complicated enough that he was much older. He lived in a small village and gossip could be malicious. He and she would both face public disgrace. So, he fretted. So, he worried. So, he fussed.  So, he agonized. Perhaps then, he should just walk away from it all and “dismiss her quietly”. (Matthew 1: 18 – 24)

Except that running away from his problems was not the best solution.  Joseph would only find peace and rest if he leaned into the set of circumstances that was before him.  “Joseph, son of David (a not so subtle reminder of the history of his family responsibilities), do not be afraid to take Mary as your wife…” (Matthew 1:20). The messenger doesn’t take away the source of Joseph’s responsibility but adds to his obligation to proceed with the marriage. “For she will bear a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins, (1:21).

There are a number of times where it is said “be not afraid” in the Christmas story. They come with a call to action, a summons to do or go. They arise when the tasks are overwhelming and daunting. The words are spoken when important choices are to be made.   The challenge and the comfort of these words come from someone who in the angels’ speaking reminds us that we are not alone as we move forward.

Be not afraid. God knows that you have cancer. God is aware that you are a widow. God will guide you through single parenting.

Be not afraid. You can handle this, God promises. God knows it will be hard, but you will become stronger. The Holy Spirit is nearby.

Be not afraid.  God recognizes your caution and reluctance but God will give you the strength.

“When Joseph awoke from his sleep, he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him,” (1:22). And it became the right answer to what he thought was a bad problem. Not easy, but necessary! "Sleeper, awake! Rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you," (Ephesians 5: 14).

Dale