Did the Baby Jesus Cry?
And other mysteries of an incarnate God
You might have heard the term before ‘C+E Christians’, that is, someone who only comes to Church on the C and the E days (Christmas and Easter). There are usually snarky comments associated with such participants in the life of faith, especially from ‘REAL’ Christians. Which is silly. More people watch the World Series and the Super Bowl than a standard pro game, more people vote in presidential elections than local primaries, It is basic human nature! More people come on the biggest days, which this pastor loves. The carols, the incense, the candles, the pageants, Silent Night by candlelight; it makes perfect sense why people want to come out for that! I want to come to that!
I am less concerned with C+E’s than I am with the difference between C and E Christians. Do you have a preference - the simplicity and tradition of Christmas, or the pageantry and rhythm of Holy Week and Easter? Easter is about salvation, resurrection, redemption. It is what separates us from all other faiths. A man died. Rose from the dead. Went to Heaven. And is now our only Mediator and Advocate.
Christmas in contrast is a story with undertones across many faiths and traditions. The Son of God is born of a woman under unlikely circumstances and is sought out by some offering joy and others offering to do harm to this living child of God. This story reflects and refracts back through history. It’s intimate nature draws us all in. We all desire to know God; no matter our faith, background, language or culture. This manger Jesus, this incarnate God made man, is accessible to all of us because we share a common characteristic. We were also born babies. This God needs us in the same way we need God. We read in Genesis that God made us in God’s image, but we know it to be true because we see it in the incarnate Christ.
This year, whether you are an every week Christian, A C Christian, an E Christian or a COVID Christian (zoom only), I invite you to come meet the Christ Child. God chose to come to us first as an innocent and helpless newborn - needing our care, our gifts, our help, and our hope. That is what is waiting for you.
Come share in the hope this Christmas.