The Day After Christmas

I am reading slowly through Luke in my morning devotions. Yesterday I just happened to be reading the traditional Christmas story. It's familiar and warm, like a comfortable sweatshirt or an old pair of slippers. Images of famous paintings of the Nativity, candlelight church services and Christmas carols seemed to rise up from the page.

Today was different. Luke 2:25-40 tells of them bringing the baby Jesus to the Temple to be dedicated. Simeon spotted the family at the Temple. The Holy Spirit revealed to him that this little baby was the long awaited Messiah. He told Joseph and marry that their baby was the salvation of God, a light for the Gentiles, and the glory of Israel.


All parents think that their baby is the cutest, but to have these words spoken about your son must have been a strange experience for Joseph and Mary. What would they say in return? Would they be filled with pride? Awe? Hope? They might have even wondered what their role in all this might be. Would they have front row seats at the coronation?


Then Simeon added words that made me sit up and take notice this morning: "This child is destined to cause the falling and rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be spoken against, so that the thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. And a sword will pierce your own soul too."


In a flash, the warm fuzzy feeling of Christmas were gone. Here was something ominous. Like a fast-moving thunderstorm descending on a summer picnic, these words ruined the idyllic moment. Warm, fuzzy thoughts were replaced with fear and anxiety. Their child was to be controversial. He was going to expose the hearts of people and that exposure would not be popular. He would be spoken against. He would bring pain as well as joy.


This is understandable. Jesus was God-in-the-flesh. God is not someone that most people want to deal with. Sure, they might say they believe in God, but usually the "God" they believe in safe and kept at a distance until needed. He is merely a concept, not a person. God-as-a-concept might be a good idea. God-as-a-concept brings hope in times of trial. God-as-a-concept brings comfort to the mourning. But God-as-a-concept is never in control. We control God-as-a-concept.


God-in-the-flesh is something else again. Suddenly God is a reality that must be dealt with. God as-a-reality calls the shots. Jesus will expose what people really think about God. He is God. How people respond to Him exposes what they think about God. Sometimes that exposure isn't pretty at all. It would lead the religious to demand his crucifixion.


As a pastor, it is easy to fall for the "God-as-a-concept" mentality. If God is merely a concept, then I am in control. I get to guide what happens. After all, as pastor aren't I responsible for the flock? Leadership books are full of tips and techniques for controlling what happens in church. They fit in well with the God as a concept mentality. It seems much safer and much more secure.

This morning I prayed that I would never fall into the "God-as-a-concept" mentality, as peaceful and reassuring as that might be. Instead, I want "God-as-reality" or "God-in-the-flesh." I want God to truly guide me and lead me. Even if that means feeling like I'm out of control at times. Even if that means being unpopular or controversial.