The Christmas Challenge

Ah, blog-humbug. For months I couldn't sign in and then gave up trying, but I'm back!

Over the last few weeks at connecT we have been reflecting on Christmas and taking our time to unpack the depth of its message. Last week we explored the shadow side of Christmas based on the post-Christmas text of Simeon, Joseph, Mary and Jesus in the Temple - Luke 2: 22 - 35. The text that pierced my heart was; 'Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising of many in Israel and for a sign that is spoken against' (Vs 34). This verse was a blessing given by Simeon to Mary. Christmas blessings are often associated with material comfort and over indulgence, but a blessing like this - that doesn't sound very blessed - presents us with a challenge. The sweet babe is not what he first appears to be!

This verse reminds me of the challenge of Christmas. Most of us are not prepared to be challenged at Christmas; comfort is what we are looking for. But to be reminded that Jesus will demand something from us, and be divisive, just as we are called to be decisive, is the shadow side of Christmas. Jesus was, is and will be the cause of 'the rise and fall of many'. The baby grows up and lives to issue a challenge - 'come follow me'(Lk.5: 27). Is that too hard for most at Christmas, I wonder?

Chris

Christmas - an event for everyone!

I was taken by a line in the message translation of the bible - 'an event for everyone'. Not part of the scripture though, it was a title for the response of the shepherds to the birth of Jesus (Luke 2:8 -20). It is obviously Eugene Peterson's - the author of 'the message' - interpretation of the Christmas story. The right one too, I think.

It is easy in christian circles to criticise all the 'secular' carol services going on in our communities. Not to mention, the santas, trees, elves and the Frank & Dino Christmas c.d's in the shopping malls. 'Put Christ back into Christmas' is a slogan we often use. But just maybe people are really looking for the Christ of Christmas but don't find him too readily in our christian communities. So the 'consumerist' one will have to do. But lets face it, don't we in the churches do exactly the same thing as we hope people will buy our product this year rather than the other church's across the road: and, yes, clergy will look at attendance figures to see whether sales are up or down this year.

As I look at people's faces as they sing carols at these 'secular' events - which I am now fond of doing - I see written on them joy, hope, peace, innocence and a longing for something mystical mixed in with the 'etchings' of life (pain, disappointment, suffering, loneliness, depression...) Christmas is for everyone because Jesus Christ is for everyone. This Christmas I'm dropping the slogans and seeking to meet people at the point of their searching. Maybe, on the other hand, the real slogan should be put Christ back into the christian churches!

Chris

Prepare the way of the Lord - Christmas

At connecT we are spending two weeks with John the Baptist. We are pondering over Mark 1: 1 -8 and what this prophetic 'crazy dude' might have to say to us. Last Sunday we gave some thought to 'preparing the way of the Lord' this christmas and how we might do that as a community. Some thoughts that came up - prayer & christmas cards given out to our communities, singing carols in aged care facilities & hospitals, a lavish connecT christmas party with nativity and being a christian presence at the office christmas party, especially when we have a had few drinks and the gossip starts!

It was good to see the connecT group thinking of ways to be with our wider community this christmas. How do we prepare ourselves and others to experience Jesus this christmas? What do you think?