Christmas is just around the corner now. Which begs the question: how will you welcome the Christ-child into our midst?
Almost five hundred years ago, Martin Luther answered this question for his congregation in a way that still resonates today: we will not find Christ in the manger so many centuries ago, but instead in the faces of our neighbors who are in need.
There is still so much work to do.
To paraphrase some of my colleagues: whenever we care for children in need, whenever we believe women, whenever we advocate for the outsider and outcast, whenever we shelter the homeless or feed the hungry, whenever we welcome the refugee, whenever we stand up to abusive powers, whenever we open our hands in friendship to those of a different religion - any of these things are more bring the Nativity into our midst.
It is not merely about putting the baby Jesus into our crèches. It is about actively looking for the Christ-child and his family all around us.
Whatever you do this Christmas to celebrate, be sure to keep your eyes open. Because none of us know where we will find Christ next.
Blessings,
Rev. Janie
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