Welcome to our new 7 week series
written by Major Nigel J. Cross, D. Min, Training Principal
Week 1 – November 15, 2020
I wonder what comes to mind as you finish this statement: In the year of our Lord 2020 …
For some individuals significant events happened, for others rite of passage events were marred by the current pandemic, and for all of us, we can all state issues that have brought concern, anxiety, instability and the need to focus on faith, especially for hope. I have even heard that in some countries, people are putting up their Christmas trees early, as they want a symbol of hope in their homes as a distraction to everything else going on.
It seems strange to even consider Christmas before we celebrate Thanksgiving, and yet what better reason to give thanks for our hope found in the Christ of Christmas. The prophet Isaiah stated, ‘The people who walk in darkness will see a great light; those who live in a dark land, the light will shine on them’ (Isaiah 9:2). The people in Israel faced darkness. They were under the tyrannical rule of Herod the Great. When Herod was about to die, he also ordered any challengers to the throne to be killed – even newborn babies. The Jews were also in revolt against, not only Hellenistic culture and influences, but also Rome. Political infighting, nationalistic revolts, quelling of situations from Varus all led to dark days. The Jews needed a light, a Messiah to shine and bring promise and hope. The people in Israel, like us felt uncertainty and fragility of life, even facing moments of ‘darkness’ and despair, but in hindsight we recognize the light shining in our darkness, Christ, who brings us hope. Sure, we can buy lights for ‘light therapy’ as an aid to cope with depression or seasonal affective disorder, but in our walk of faith, we have the greater and one true light of Christ.
Thomas Kinkade, the famous ‘painter of light’ produced a figurine that is entitled ‘The True Meaning of Christmas.’ This ornament depicts Santa in front of a fireplace with a stocking on the mantle, a sack of presents behind him with the list of recipients, and a Christmas tree adjacent to the fireplace. Santa is kneeling on one knee in the center of the scene, finishing the carving of a king, a wise man, that would take its place in the nativity scene at the base of the tree. There in the facade of a stable is Mary, Joseph, a shepherd with sheep, cattle and of course baby Jesus lying in a manger. With bended knee, Santa and all that commercialism portrays as the Christmas experience, highlights the birth of Christ.
Isaiah continued, ‘For a child will be born for us, a son will be given to us, and the government will rest on His shoulders. And his name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace. There will be no end to the increase of his government or of peace’ (Isaiah 9:6-7a). There is promised peace: peace in political environments, peace in our homes, peace in our communities, peace between people of different cultures, ethnicities, and creeds. There is peace promised and realized in the kingdom of God, and Jesus is our hope and path.
This Christmas advent, we will focus on the ‘True Meaning of Christmas’ as portrayed in Kinkade’s Santa and nativity figurine. Each aspect will reveal a truth of Christ to reflect on, to bring hope, joy and the knowledge of God’s love and providential care, that brings peace in our uncertainties.
Listen now to Staff Songster, Captain Michael O’Brien as he sings, “How Far Is It To Bethlehem?”, and join us next week in this advent series as we reflect on the journey to Bethlehem and the lodgings the holy family found.