A Light for Revelation

Facing Change in 2006

Luke 2:21-40           Rev. Todd B. Freeman

Bethany Presbyterian Church, Dallas           January 1, 2006

The second chapter in the Gospel of Luke starts with the story of the birth of Jesus, the familiar and beloved story that we read on Christmas Eve. It includes the trip to Bethlehem, the manger scene, and the angels and shepherds. The chapter moves to this week’s Gospel Lesson, the presentation of the newborn Jesus at the temple in Jerusalem and the return to Nazareth.

There is so much we can learn from this story. We learn, for instance, that Joseph and Mary were poor because they offered a sacrifice to two pigeons at the temple. This was an exception to the law when the poor couldn’t afford the customary sacrifice of a lamb and a pigeon. Luke wants us to be aware right from the start that Jesus begins his life in solidarity with the poor, whose cause he will champion throughout his ministry.

We also learn, through the repeated phrase “in accordance to the law of Moses,” that Joseph and Mary were dedicated to following their religious beliefs. By faithfully observing the Jewish law (the Torah), they put their faith into action. Luke wants to tell us that the family from which Jesus came represents the best of the true Israel. (I always get a kick out of reminding folks that Jesus wasn’t a Christian, but Jewish.)

This observation of the law, then, is actually a fairly conservative theme in Luke. It is reflected throughout the rest of Chapter 2 as we are introduced to Simeon and Anna, also both true saints of Israel. They are prophets and rich sources of wisdom. They are also elderly. Luke reflects the honoring of wise elderly people. Congregations, including this one, often have wise Simeons and Annas; are they being heard and listened to?

Notice their focus. Simeon was ‘longing for the consolation of Israel’ (2:25). Anna speaks to ‘those who were awaiting the liberation of Israel’ (2:38). Luke’s understanding of salvation included Israel’s liberation from oppression. I also truly believe that salvation involves not only a hope that we will be eternally in the presence of God after we die, but also that salvation involves our liberation in the here and now.

The divine agenda, if I can use such a term, expands the prayer for “thy kingdom come” to include good news for the poor in every land. May our own mission and ministry, then, continue to focus on this theme of liberation; a big liberation which reached from individual release to community justice and peace.

As Simeon and Anna grew old, nourished by the passions of hope and liberation, so this Jesus child, Luke tells us, grew as a child of his people’s hope, nurtured by a household devoted to taking scripture seriously. In the poetic words of old Simeon, offered in the form of a prayer: “For my eyes have seen your salvation, which you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles and for glory to your people Israel” (2:30-32). Through these words of Simeon, Luke reveals perhaps the primary mission of Jesus – to be a light for revelation.

No matter what you believe and understand about the divine/human nature of Jesus, I think we all can agree that Jesus serves as a light for revealing the true nature of God and God’s plan for humanity: to love God with all our heart, mind, soul and strength, and our neighbor as ourselves.

Some of you may remember me mentioning in a sermon on John the Baptist three weeks ago: “John put himself in a position to be able to witness to and point to the light. That should be our goal as well – to put ourselves in a position to witness to, to point to, and to reflect the light of God’s love and justice and compassion – a love and justice and compassion that was revealed by and through Jesus.” Following the example of John the Baptist, we need to allow the light to enter into our darkness, and then witness and testify to that light throughout this new year. For if you’ve ever been in a totally dark place, where you can not even see your hand in front of your face, you know how much a difference even a little light can make.

In this month’s church newsletter, which most of you should have received in the mail yesterday, I wrote about how much hope I have for the future as we enter this new year. I really do. For with the turning of the calendar there inherently comes a sense of new beginnings and hope for the coming year. New beginnings and hope for the future are indeed two of the greatest hallmarks of the Christian faith.

I always find it encouraging to stand at the doorstep of a new year, even one in which I already know significant change will occur. Change, in and of itself, isn’t necessarily good or bad, it’s just change. How we prepare for and adapt to that change, however, can make all the difference. That doesn’t mean it will be a year without difficulties or challenges or even grieving. But on this, the first Sunday of the New Year, it is certainly an appropriate time to focus on the hope and the new beginnings offered to us by a gracious God.

As people of faith, our hope is rooted in knowing that God is with us. This is what we have just celebrated at Christmas – that through the humble birth of Jesus we can know that God dwells with and among us. As the gospels will later reveal, God also dwells within us. That, in and of itself, is cause for great joy and celebration. But as I have said on numerous occasions, God is not only with us, God is also for us.

As the Old Testament reminds us again and again, God has established a covenant between God and the people of God. With that covenant comes the word of assurance that God will never abandon us. God’s covenant, then and now, is always expressed in terms of God’s grace, compassion, mercy and love. It is also an open invitation for us to accept our responsibility and accountability as the people of God. There are also countless that come with this relationship.

That covenant extends to us as individuals, and to us as a congregation. During 2006, Bethany Presbyterian Church will celebrate its 114th anniversary. Throughout its long history, this congregation has faced innumerable challenges. And we are all aware of a major reality that we must face this year. Due to financial limitations, caused primarily by the conclusion of the 5-year Redevelopment Grant from our denomination, this congregation will soon reach a point when it will no longer be able to support the position of a full-time pastor.

So this is what I want to say to you this morning: I want to make whatever time I have left with you among the most meaningful our ministry together.

Right before the choir and I walked into the sanctuary before the Christmas Eve service last week, one of the choir members mentioned that I looked a bit down. I acknowledged that I was, because I knew that this would be my last Christmas here with all of you. Another choir member, almost in surprise, also acknowledged the reality of that statement.

Grief is inevitable. The emotion of grief comes with any experience of loss. That is simply one of the great truths about human nature. Psychologists as well as pastors know that it is important to recognize loss, and the grief that come with that loss. Last fall the Adult Church School Class participated in a 10-session study on the topic of grief, entitled “Healing in Grief.” We learned that healthy grieving involves a balance between lamenting and being consoled; between sorrow and joy; between weeping and celebration. It is my hope that we strike this healthy balance as we face losses throughout this coming year.

Referring back to my Newsletter article, I also mentioned what I believe to be a renewed sense of vitality within this congregation. I have always been fond of using the word “energy” in relationship to folks in a congregation, but I think I like this word “vitality” even better. A church without vitality has somehow lost touch with what it means to be the church, and to live within the grace of God.

So let us reclaim the vitality that has made this church a cutting-edge congregation in the areas of justice, compassion, inclusiveness, and the acceptance of all kinds of diversity. On this Sunday, so close to the Christmas promise of the Incarnation, we need to celebrate and rejoice together as a community and family of faith. We must embrace this sense of hope and new beginnings.

As this Christmastide season now comes to a close, let us also acknowledge God’s presence with and for us with vitality, renewed hope, and with much rejoicing!

Amen.

Resources:

William Loader, Christmas 1, wwwstaff.Murdoch.edu.au