December 24
Tracy & Michael Balboni
After the kids have gone to bed on Christmas Eve, we have had a little tradition of wrapping presents while watching the 2006 movie The Nativity Story. We enjoy re-watching this film because it reminds us how humility lies at the center of Christmas, capturing the heart of God. Power is also on display in the story, experienced by the shepherds who cower in fear before a spiritual messenger, accompanied by a mighty army of angelic beings who sing “Gloria…!” The paradox of Luke’s account, however, is that the sign (v.12) that “Christ the Lord” has finally come, is not the angels, but a swathed newborn lying in a food trough among the farm animals (verses 7, 12, 16).
We know the story but too easily forget the message. If you want to encounter the presence of Christ, do not spend too much time looking for him amidst the glitter, or at the country club, or under your Christmas tree. Nor will the signs of God’s presence be primarily found in career success, a good life for your children, or in the pleasures of gathering together as friends, family or church in the midst of the wonders of beautiful music or large feasts. While all of these can be truly good, do we not sometimes forget that the sign of God’s love is displayed through a manger, and then a cross?
Most of us have experienced a great deal of loss in 2020 (good riddance, 2020!). Yet this year’s considerable losses and low points are not signs of God’s absence. Have you interpreted your losses this year as signs of God’s disfavor? God have you forgotten me? The first sign of Christmas was not angelic splendor, but the sign came humbly, with trials and rejection, and in lowly conditions. This year many of us do not need to watch a movie to remember the hardships related to Christmas. But you may perhaps need to remember that God’s Christmas sign to you is there swathed within the losses. Like the shepherds, may this Christmas be such a time of glorifying and praising God (v. 20) even as you see the sign of humility at the center of the nativity story.