Bethlehem Bound

 

He was in the world, and the world came into being through him, yet the world did not know him.

 

There is a great quote, “the more I learn, the less I know.”  

The more I experience this mysterious world, the more I am baffled.  

The more I interact with fellow featherless bipeds, the more I realize we are all just complex contradictions walking around.  

Each day, there is something that causes me to scratch my head in both amazement and prayer.  Growing up, I would hear adults say, “Welp, I am not surprised.”  As though this person has so cognitively conquered the world and understands all mysteries that they know all the tricks and tips.  I think people would say that to appear superior, but honestly, we are all bumbling and baffled bipeds trying to make our way.  

Sometimes when I lament, “They didn’t teach me that in seminary.”  Of course they didn’t!!  There is no way seminary or any school can teach you everything, because the world is the classroom…

your life is the curriculum…

your experience is your lesson every day.  

The question is not what we know, but are we willing to be taught?  

The question is not, did I earn an “A” (life is not about the grade), but am I willing to stay open and curious about this strange life we are all living?  

The question is, are we willing to let the Word, God’s expression in the flesh and breath of your life today, help expand as you explore the unfolding of the universe?  

God is the composer still writing the symphony.  God is the author, still editing the story.  The word you selected sixteen days ago is one doorway for you to enter the stable and stand in the scratchy straw this Advent.  That word in all its beautiful incompleteness is one window into your soul and is preparing your life for Christ to enter.  So may you and I let loose with our word and light and presence through which God is still entering the world that God might be known/encountered through you and me and we today.  Amen. 

Bethlehem Bound

 

As we let the candles of hope, peace, and love burn brightly within us, slowly read and savor John’s poetic reminder of the Cosmic Christ who has always been collaborating and conspiring with the Creator since the beginning.  I invite you to read aloud so you can hear, feel and experience these words:

 

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  ² He was in the beginning with God. ³ All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being ⁴ in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. ⁵ The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overtake it.

⁶ There was a man sent from God whose name was John. ⁷ He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. ⁸ He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. ⁹ The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.

¹⁰ He was in the world, and the world came into being through him, yet the world did not know him. ¹¹ He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. ¹² But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, ¹³ who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God.  ¹⁴ And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth. ¹⁵ (John testified to him and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks ahead of me because he was before me.’ ”) ¹⁶ From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. ¹⁷ The law indeed was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. ¹⁸ No one has ever seen God. It is the only Son, himself God, who is close to the Father’s heart, who has made him known.

 

Fifteen days ago, I asked you to select a word to carry with you to the manger this year.  A word that I pray blessed you and maybe even frustrated you occasionally.  You may wonder, “Why did I pick 'hope’ when the headlines every day shout reasons why that word seems foolish or as far away from reality as the planet Pluto?”  Or maybe you selected “Peace” and each day have found a few moments to sit, breathe, be, letting that word wash over you.  Or maybe you have decided to trade your word for a different one, like trying on shoes for a journey.  Regardless of where you are with your word, we know that words shape us.  Words impact us.  While I learned that famous childhood refrain/rhyme, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me.” ~ you and I know that this isn’t true. Words wound.  Words can be weaponized by politicians, pundits, and pastors.  Yet, God sends God’s Words/Wisdom/Dream/Prayer in the flesh and form of Jesus. 

 

In John’s gospel, he opens with a poetic riff on Genesis 1 by saying that God’s Word has been eternally present and participated in creation.  In verse 6, John takes an exit ramp to talk about John.  On November 30^th, in church, we heard about Zachariah and Elizabeth, John’s parents, who were advanced in age, their AARP cards tattered and torn.  Their hope of ever having a child had long ago been let go of and seemed impossible/impractical/ill-advised as their bodies told the score of a long life.  But then…surprise..a birth announcement.  The gospel of John does some wonderful verbal gymnastics above.  Re-read verse 8, John was not…I repeat was not…the light.  All four gospel writers have what is called “The problem of John the baptizer.”  By all accounts, John the Baptizer was a popular prophet.  His followers on Twitter were numerous, and his attendance numbers at worship services required police to direct traffic.  Just kidding.  But John the baptizer was well-known.  John had disciples who followed him and thought he was the Messiah.  So, the gospel writers must acknowledge John, but don’t want to distract from Jesus.  I don’t think Jesus had a problem with John.  I don’t think Jesus was concerned about who or how you experienced the love of God, only that you knew deep in your heart and soul this truth. 

 

Today, hold your word for the wisdom and love it longs to let loose in your life.  And may your word guide and ground you as we turn the corner and count down to Christmas Eve.  With God’s love to you all~  Amen.  

Bethlehem Bound

 

The Light shines into the darkness, and the darkness cannot overcome it or put it out.

 

Begin this morning by speaking your Advent word aloud and listening for how the Eternal Echo responds to your voice.

 

Light and darkness are dancing today.  This is true in John’s prologue, and it is true in Genesis.  In fact, the very first act of creation we read is, And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light God saw that the light was good, and the Creator separated the light from the darkness. God called the light “day,” and the darkness Artist/Author/Inventor called “night.” And there was evening, and there was morning—the first day. (Genesis 1:3-5).  Go back and re-read this.  Notice that a familiar phrase is missing.  Usually, God’s creativity culminates in God saying that what is formed and fashioned is good, except here.  Separation is not declared as “good”.  Having light and darkness as distinct or different is not called good.  Darkness and light have always been in a divine dance.  Both are needed and necessary.  Both are holy.  There is a great hymn called “Holy Darkness.”  The opening words are:

 

Holy darkness, blessed night,
heaven's answer hidden from our sight.
As we await you, O God of silence,
we embrace your holy night.

 

Tonight, when the sun sets, light a candle (which our Jewish friends will do tonight to welcome the Sabbath).  Let that flickering flame dance with the darkness ~ see how the two hug and hold each other.  Let the light and darkness meet you in the story.  Speak your Advent Word aloud to the light and darkness, seeing how both have truths to sing to you.  May the holy darkness of God bless you this night as we continue to make our way to the manger on Christmas Eve to see how darkness and light are always tangled and twisted with each other.  May God’s peace/shalom/wholeness/healing and presence hold and enfold you this week.  Amen. 

Bethlehem Bound

 

This is the true Light that comes to all the peoples of the world and shines on everyone

Begin this morning by speaking your Advent word aloud and listening for how the Eternal Echo responds to your voice.

 

There is a universalist nature to God’s embrace that we are hearing this week.  Everyone, everywhere, no expectations.  Of course, we want to control God’s flashlight.  We want to tell God who is on our “naughty” and “nice” list, playing Santa Claus.  We want to block out some who seem unworthy of God’s light, determine and distinguish who has earned or deserved God’s love this Christmas.  We want to put coal in people’s stockings, especially the ones who have hurt us.  Take that, we think, because the one who laughs last wins. 

 

I don’t understand the unconditional and unceasing part of God.  There are certainly people whom I would prefer not be invited to the manger this year.  And, I think the very people I don’t want to gaze into the eyes of the vulnerable Christ-child, might be the very ones who need it the most.  At the manger, I might see the humanness of another.  Those who go reluctantly to the manger join with those who skip all the way to Bethlehem.  Those who show up at church to appease family are just as loved as those of us who have already picked out our Christmas Eve attire.  The Carol, Come All Ye Faithful reminds us of the inclusiveness of the invitation.  Come all…even if your faith is on fumes or empty.  Even if you feel this whole love stuff is foolish.  Even if you still think some people should be blocked at the barn door, because God doesn’t have a bouncer to keep the riffraff out.  In fact, God seems to delight in the lost, lonely, and left out.  Those who come to the manger feeling forgotten or pushed to the fringe get the front row seat.  The stable is full of people not on our guest list.  The stable is not reserved for those who have perfect attendance and pledge cards that were increased or the “right” beliefs.  Come all. That has been, is, and will always be God’s calling card.  Come all.  Be drenched in a light that changes the story you tell yourself about yourself, others, and especially God.  Come all.  Today and tomorrow and every day in 2026.  Come, let’s dance together.  And may God’s peace/shalom/wholeness/healing and presence hold and enfold you this week.  Amen. 

Bethlehem Bound

 

Creator’s life shone out from the Word, giving light to all human beings.

 

Begin this morning by speaking your Advent word aloud and listening for how the Eternal Echo responds to your voice.

 

How is God shining through your Word this week?  Has someone you encountered this week spoken your word back to you?  That might be one way God is moving in your midst.  Where have you stumbled unexpectedly onto your word in the most surprising way?  Pay attention today.  Find creative, fun, faithful, and meaningful ways to work your Advent word into every conversation.  Notice what happens when you drop the word “Hope” (if that is your word) into a sentence to someone.  Notice what happens when you try to write a prayer with that word at the center.  Notice what is born in you and through you as that word escapes both your lips this day.

 

May you and your word find fabulous and faithful ways to let God’s presence loose in the unexpected world today.  And may God’s peace/shalom/wholeness/healing and presence hold and enfold you this week.  Amen. 

Bethlehem Bound

 

And not one thing exists that he did not create

 

Begin this morning by speaking your Advent word aloud and listening for how the Eternal Echo responds to your voice.

 

Not one thing…or put a positive spin on this…everything.  Everything, everywhere exists because of God’s creativity.  You.  Me.  That squirrel outside my window and the tree s/he is scurrying around.  My neighbor.  The person who frustrates and flummoxes me.  The person who hurts me.  The person who loves me.  The vampire bat that swoops in, skimming my head.  The dog that places his head in my lap, letting me feel unconditional love and peace.  Everything, everywhere, was envisioned and imprinted with God.

 

Wait. 

 

What do you mean the person who yelled at me?  What do you mean the animal that dug up my tomato plants?  What do you mean the leader on the news who makes my blood boil?

 

How can that be part of God’s good creation?

 

I don’t know.  There is plenty of evidence to object to God’s goodness in this world.  There are plenty of hard hearts like Herod in Jesus’ birth narrative who hurt and harm children, rob the dignity and divinity of fellow humans.  There are plenty of people who use their free will like a sword to throw hate around. 

 

The hurt and harm are real.  The hurt and harm threaten to steal our hope and peace. And God’s love is infused and implanted in everything.  Whether we decide to live from that place or not has been the mystery of human life since the very beginning.  Why does Cain kill Abel?  Why does Pharaoh enslave God’s people?  Why does Babylon come crushing in destroying, and devastating lives?  Why does God’s love incarnate hang from a cross?  Why do people today still act as though the mystery of this world should author our lives with a hope, peace, love, and joy?  Why do we act as though God is distant because we cannot prove beyond a shadow of a doubt that God is present?  Why do barriers block us from encountering the Divine?  Why do we feel justified in hating?  These questions will never have answers.  I can either let the frustrating mystery of people lead me to bitterness or break me open.  I can either act as if nothing is a mystery or everything is.  I can either arrive at Bethlehem this year exhausted or excited that something new is being birthed.  As J. Drew Lanthem says, “God prefers wombs,” and I would add tombs.  God works through a beautiful darkness, helping us to collaborate with a Creator who is still fashioning and forming you and me and everything, everything, everything, and everyone we encounter today.  May God’s peace/shalom/wholeness/healing and presence hold and enfold you this week.  Amen. 

Bethlehem Bound

 

Last week, we held a word you selected close to your heart, ears, and life.  Or maybe you decided you needed more than just one word this Advent.  Or maybe you are longing right now to trade your word for another, the way you would swap something from your lunch with something from your friend’s lunch at school growing up (I’ll trade you a Hostess cupcake for that Little Debbie treat we’d say to each other ~ like we were playing Let’s Make a Deal).  Here is my deal for you.  You are welcome to find a new word this week if you’d like or continue to carry the word you selected last week.  No right answers or rules or shoulds/have tos during this Advent.  Sometimes we make a choice and feel disappointed, wanting to rewind time.  On the road to Bethlehem, maybe you need to set down your word from last week, for it has taken you as far as it can.  Or maybe you want to keep carrying your word because you sense there is a blessing not yet revealed or realized.  Or maybe your word has been a light to your path.  Or maybe you are still struggling to find a word.  Right now, find a word or a few.  Say your word aloud.  Let the letters leap from your tongue into the world as a blessing that no one may hear, but God does.  Your word, your life, your presence on the path to the manger, creating space and a place for God this year.

 

Slowly read, aloud preferably so you hear your own voice, the Indigenous People’s Version of John 1:

 

Long ago, in the time before all days, before the creation of all things, the one who is known as the Word was there face-to-face with the Great Spirit.  This Word fully represents the Creator and shows us who he is and what he is like.  He has always been there from the beginning, for the Word and Creator are one and the same.  Through the Word all things came into being, and not one thing exists that he did not create.  Creator’s life shone out from the Word, giving light to all human beings.  This is the true Light that comes to all the peoples of the world and shines on everyone.  The Light shines into the darkness, and the darkness cannot overcome it or put it out.

Into the wilderness of the Land of Promise (Judea) came a man named Gift of Goodwill (John).  He was sent by the Great Spirit to tell what he knew about the Light so everyone could believe.  He was not the Light but came to speak the truth about the Light.  The true Light that shines on all people was coming into the darkness of this world.  He came down into this world, and even though he made all things, the world did not recognize him.  Even his own tribe did not welcome or honor him. But all who welcome and trust him receive their birthright as children of the Great Spirit.  Creator’s Word became a flesh-and-blood human being and pitched his sacred tent among us, living as one of us.  We looked upon his great beauty and saw how honorable he was, the kind of honor held only by this one Son who fully represents his Father – full of his great kindness and truth. 

Gift of Goodwill (John) told what he knew about him and cried out with a loud voice, “The one I have told you about is here!  He comes after me, but is much greater – my elder!  He has more honor, for even though he is thought to be younger, he existed before I was born.” 

From the fullness of his being, we have all had many gifts of kindness poured out on us.  Drawn from the Water (Moses) gave us our tribal laws, but the gift of great kindness and truth came from Creator Sets Free (Jesus), the Chosen One.  No one has ever seen the Great Spirit but the one Son, who is himself the Great Spirit and closest to the Father’s heart, has shown us what he is like.  (First Nations Version: An Indigenous Translation of the New Testament).

 

Was there a word above that sang to your shy soul?  Did you hear something new, feel something new, encounter a truth that has always been in this passage, but this translation illuminated for you?  Let these words inspire and infuse us as we begin the second week of Advent and our travel to Bethlehem this year.  May God’s peace/shalom/wholeness/healing and presence hold and enfold you this week.  Amen.