Week of December 30, 2002
Rosemary S.

"And it came to pass in those days that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, everyone into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David) to be taxed with Mary, his espoused wife, being great with child."
     Luke 2:1-14 (King James Version)

It has been my particular tradition on Christmas Eve for the past few years to send the Christmas Gospel out to fifty or so people who are on my e-mail list. I have been honored to receive some very personal, very touching responses telling of how others celebrate Christmas. Versions of the Christmas carols I heard on the radio and in stores this year have been dreadful! One program, entitled "How Small Towns Celebrate Christmas", was all about flashing lights, Santa, and, of course, to be politically correct, Chanukah candelabras, and mostly non-denominational symbols. I understand that not all people observe Christmas as a religious occasion, but at least be honest NOT to refer to these as "Christmas" celebrations. Now, the day after Christmas, it is still much on my mind. Let's face it -- we no longer live in a Christian nation. How can we "keep Christmas" in a world that ignores the true reason for the season? How can we commemorate a holy day instead of a holiday?

I came across the following poem in a book, "Kneeling in Bethlehem", by Ann Weems. Let us take "The Decree" with us into the New Year.

And in these days a decree goes out to all the world,
for these are taxing times.
We are all called again to go to Bethlehem,
no matter the state of our health or our world.
We come, obedient and faithful,
for we have heard the message,
we have dreamed the dream,
that God will come to dwell among us.
We come, expectant with joy,
pregnant with anticipation,
for God has done great things for us.
We come, searching for a sign;
bearing our gifts, we come.
We come, called from the silent hillsides of our hearts,
we huddle together toward Bethlehem.
We come, one by one,
and yet, as one,
dancing into the Promise.

Down at the bottom in the very depths, I see a tiny light, O Lord. Almost buried in rush and noise, in songs and gifts so thoughtlessly amassed; in crowds where love is lost, and where there is no flickering thought of Thee! Fan to a glow this tiny light I see -- till Christmas is once more a blazing Star of Love! (Charlotte Burrowes, "Christmas Poems"

Contributed by Rosemary S.
Published Monday December 30, 2002
Week 5 of Liturgical Year B