Christmas Eve, 2021

 The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light. (Isaiah 9:2-7)

 

As we celebrate the joy of Christmas, we do so in the midst of a continuing pandemic, recovery from hurricanes and wildfires, and remnants of long-lasting wars. There are many valleys of darkness in our world today. Yet, we celebrate joyfully that, “a son is given to us.”

 

There are many instances in the scriptures where a new dawn is announced with the birth of a child who’s filled with divine favor and promise – a child who will break the gloom of darkness and oppression. But, the more comfortable future that the child represents is far off and our hardships exist right now – in the present.  How can our faith rely on something so distant and so fragile? 

 

When my husband and I brought our first-born child home, we had no idea how we were going to be able to deal with him and his many needs. But, we could sense that our lives had been changed forever. As we held our vulnerable, dependent child in our hands, he seemed like this bridge between what we had in the present – and the time that was to come.  We felt more responsible to care for what we might leave behind when our time on earth ends – and more confident about possibilities for starting anew. 

 

I once read somewhere that our offspring “are like windows onto a time that offers a new light” – new perspective – new hope.  They remind us of our responsibilities to them and to the world and of our own deep-rooted dependency on God as we move into the future. 

 

As we celebrate the birth of the Christ child – a tiny vulnerable infant entering into an uncertain and risky world – we are reminded of the committed parenthood of God – the one who will nurture and protect us into a promised future that transcends the darkness and offers a light that shines – even in the dark places.

 

Mighty God, Everlasting Father, thank you for sending your Son to live among us and bring light and hope to the dark place in our world.  Amen.

 

Paulette Obrecht is a pastor in the Northeast PA Synod, who serves as an associate chaplain for St. Luke’s Hospital and helps with various projects for Lutheran Congregational Services/Lutheran Disaster Response.