Jesus is Emmanuel

 

This week as I walked through the sanctuary at our church, I found it in that quiet stillness that exists before the energy and hum of a gathered crowd. And there is no crowd quite like the crowd that gathers for the preschool Christmas program. Parents and grandparents, big sisters and big brothers, all ready to watch their little stars sing and wave and recite the story of Mary and Joseph, shepherds, angels and the little baby Jesus.

I have to admit that it is one of my favorite hours of the season. I find myself smiling and laughing all through the program. Some kids are in their element, performing as if they are on Broadway. Others are mortified, clearly wanting to be anywhere else but in front of that crowd. There, in the midst of the symbols of manger and tree, wreath and crèche, a wide range of human experience seems to unfold. Laughter and tears. Joy and sorrow. Anxiety and peace.

Perhaps that is why I like this hour so much. As we sing in the carol, “the hopes and fears of all the years are met in thee tonight.” The story we tell did not occur in a vacuum. Jesus was born in the real world, with all its beauty and ugliness. Mary embraced her calling in life, with all its blessings and sorrows. All those who were a witness to the birth knew both the excitement of it and the unsettling that took place in their lives in light of this great act of God. Perhaps the preschool program tells it true.

We read these words in the Letter to the Galatians,

“But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.” Jesus was born into the life we know, the life we both love and labor within. That is the point. Jesus is Emmanuel, God with us. Really with us. Whatever else is going on, God is there with us in the middle of it. That is the beauty and hope of Christmas.

Peace.