by Fr. Bill Garrison
Please note that the following sermon text was provided prior to the audio recording. The two versions may differ substantially.
Luke 2:1-20
In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, "Do not be afraid; for see-- I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger." And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying,
"Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and on earth peace among those whom he favors!"
When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, "Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us." So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.
James and Neil were fortunate enough to have season tickets to watch their favorite football team play. They could not help noticing that there was always a spare seat next to them and they had a friend who would love to buy a season ticket, especially if all three could have seats together.
One half-time Neil went to the ticket office and asked if they could buy the season ticket for A16, that empty seat. The ticket agent said that unfortunately the ticket had been sold. Nevertheless, week after week the seat was still empty.
Then on the first Sunday after Christmas, much to James and Neil's amazement, the seat was taken for the first time that season. Neil could not resist asking the newcomer, 'Where have you been all season?'.
'Don't ask' he said, 'the wife bought the season ticket last summer, and kept it for my special Christmas present.'
I have a confession to make. Christmas Eve is my favorite Christian celebration of the year. I know! It should be Easter, and I completely understand why. But ever since I became aware of Christmas Eve as a church service, not just as a night to get through until morning so I could open my presents, this service has remained my favorite.
The first place I remember celebrating Christmas Eve was at St. Marks-On-The-Mesa Episcopal Church in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Southwest architecture lends itself to making memories. If you are unaware, many of the buildings in that part of the country have flat roofs. Yes, they do and they appear to be of adobe construction even when they aren’t.
At Christmas time many people outline the buildings with Luminarios. Those are sacks containing sand and a candle which is lit at night. They also place them at other prominent places such as walkways. I know it sounds dangerous, so I imagine many of the lights were actually battery-operated electric lights, but either way the look is magnificent.
Combining the lights with the cold, crisp air, the greenery inside the church, and the incredible music we hear at this time of year, you have an experience never to be forgotten. At least I never have. I set the scene clearly in my mind’s eye all these many years later.
The second place I have great memories of at Christmas Eve is in Bartlesville, Oklahoma at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church. The building sort of reminds one of a Cathedral, but shrunk down to church size. It’s a very beautiful church. The look remains magnificent inside, and it definitely feels like a special church the moment you enter.
Normally it’s pretty cold there on Christmas Eve, sometimes ten degrees or below. For some reason I only remember clear skies with stars so close you believe that reaching up and touching them is entirely possible. They are there shining when you enter, and there when you leave. Sometimes there’s a little snow on the ground making the night a little bit brighter. And the service is spectacular. The music is fabulous. The camaraderie is wonderful. You know you have been someplace special when the service is over.
And I have fabulous memories of previous services here at St. Matthias too. Our church is beautiful at Christmas Eve. Just take a moment and look around. And as you know, and have experienced so far this evening, the music is incredible.
You are wonderful people. It’s truly a pleasure to be with you this evening or any other time.
Now I know I have heard a sermon every time I have been in church on Christmas Eve. I can even tell you about some of the people I have heard speak. But honestly, I can’t remember a thing they said. And one more admission – I can’t remember much of what I have said either on those occasions when I was the preacher.
As I think about it, Christmas Eve isn’t a time for great oratory. It isn’t a time for important theological treatises. It’s a time for feeling, for experience, for the awareness of God and the Holy Spirit. It’s a time of beauty. Words almost get in the way other than the words we say together as a congregation within the service. Those words said together seem to rise in the air and become one with the presence of the almighty.
So, I am not going to take up any more of your time tonight. Instead, I am going to suggest we take a few minutes together and soak up our surroundings. Let’s make memories to be carried forward to the next Christmas Eve and the ones after that. God is with us and will be there too.
