The Irony of a Vulnerable Christ Child

Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas, and Happy New Year!  

This is a magical time of year when Immanuel decorates the sanctuary with swags of green, a twinkling Christmas tree with Christmon ornaments, blue fabrics adorn the pulpits, and the nativity is placed on the altar under the stained glass cross. This is no ordinary nativity. It is VERY old and fragile, adding to the wonder of the ancient Christ child's birth.

The power in the birth of the Christ child is his unusual vulnerability. Christ is born as a tiny dependent infant in an outdoor animal stable rather than a private room. His family held no governmental power and was displaced and homeless due to the Roman government's occupation and demand for a census. This edict for a census disregarded the human risk it inflicted, creating the widespread need for adequate food, housing, healthcare, and human resources to support such a massive request.

The familiar stress of unbearable edicts without sufficient human resources is a shared experience that resonates across our planet. Josephs and Marys of our world are still at risk, struggling to locate food, housing, and healthcare. Choosing these vulnerable situations and people to share his entrance into humanity we would expect his entrance into the world to be muted, but its quite the opposite. Angels, shepherds, a great star, wise men, and apparently a legendary drummer boy from somewhere shows up :)). The infant Jesus is both a gift of love and a receiver of love and hope to our heart sick world. He sets an example for us to emulate.

It is no wonder that during this holy season, our empathy and compassion toward our neighbors and the underserved in our communities rise. Sharing our lives and resources to relieve the strain of inadequate resources is loving our neighbors just like we care for ourselves and, therefore, loving God. (Matthew 22:37-39)

These lyrics in the third verse from the carol, "O Holy Night," by Placide Cappeau in 1847, get ahold of me every year:

Truly, He taught us to love one another;

His law is love, and His Gospel is Peace.

Chains shall He break, for the slave is our brother,

And in His name, all oppression shall cease.

In this holy season, expressions of hospitality and love to one another are not just acts of kindness, but the holy work of God healing our sick and suffering planet. It's a powerful force that can bring about miracles. Nothing glamorous. No act of Congress is needed. Love with what you have, and God will encounter you in that vulnerable sacred space with connection and relationship. 

Isn’t it ironic that instead of the spaces of dominant power and brute strength, it is the exposed and vulnerable spaces where we are welcomed and we welcome another, that we meet the holy there? These 'fragile spaces' are the moments of vulnerability, the instances of need, and the times of sharing. Look for these unsuspecting spaces. Bring your gifts or receive what you need. The holy is breaking in.

Do not be afraid. The glorious wonder of the vulnerable Christ child will meet you there.