sermon excerpts: "Other People's Business"

Simeon could hardly believe that after so long he would live to see the day. We all have far off dreams that we know are only dreams and cannot come true Likewise, Anna: widowed, and therefore without position, recognition or protection in society, her faith was unshakeable holding to some unknown, unforeseen thread of hope.

All the coincidences come into play so that both of them are in the Temple at that moment when Jesus is brought to the Temple for his dedication ceremony. Often we wait our lives for that great moment. Are we in tune enough to know what it is we’re seeking. Would we recognize it if it happened?

We need to be clear about what we’re seeking, yet open to all possibilities. What we have here is not merely the fulfilment of Jewish law with respect to another oldest son. This is the proclamation of two independent sources, full of God’s spirit testifying to the coming greatness of this child. Let us in our actions and efforts do the same: speak to the greatness of God’s presence on this earth, the value of each person to offer. Let us give what we may to the work of this holy effort…

We all think our kids are beautiful, smart and generally perfect. Yet when all people, one after another, strangers, friends, say the same thing, it has to get you thinking there’s something more here. Think of Mary and Joseph, first time parents, just figuring out when the baby’s cries means hunger, gas, tiredness, or a change of swaddling, when company comes. And not just any company: esteemed scholars of a distant land coming to pay tribute to someone they identify as a king of kings.

I love this story, a long journey by some people of knowledge following a star, no hidden agenda, simply offering gifts of welcome to a newborn king. Although I could never understand why this always gets lumped into the Christmas scene. I think there is something about the fact that it is the working class, blue collar, ordinary everyday shepherds that were the first to offer their praise to Christ.

Even more striking than the arduous trek and tracking down of the Christ child (impressive tasks in and of themselves) was the contrast to Herod. His rule of power and might through intimidation, threats of violence and punishment, is contrasted by the natural urge to comfort and care for an infant, helpless and holy.

We pay attention to what goes on in other people’s lives, but it’s often for the negative, so that we can have a juicy story to tell about someone’s woes. What if we paid attention to other people’s business like Simeon, Anna and the wise men did? To build up and support one another, to remind each other how special we are to God’s mission and vision? Let this be our resolution for the New Year.