ELCA Presiding
Bishop Mark S. Hanson's
2003 Christmas Message
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In those days a decree went out
from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be
registered. This was the first registration and was taken when
Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their
own towns to be registered. Joseph also...went to be registered
with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child.
While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child.
(Luke 2:1-2, 4-5, NRSV)
Augustus speaks, and there are
universal consequences―no one is exempt from this decree. For the
sake of imperial efficiency and control, all must be
counted, whole populations put on the move, plans interrupted and
dreams set aside, every sort of hardship endured. In the middle of
this turmoil, a baby is born far from home, with no fit place to
lay his head. What clearer sign could there be, both of the global
power of Augustus and the powerlessness of ordinary people?
Today, even as citizens of a
resourceful, powerful nation, we are haunted by a sense of
helplessness and insignificance. The reach and unpredictability of
global economic forces make every job and livelihood uncertain.
Accelerating change seems to threaten to dissolve community,
making us strangers to each other―and even to ourselves.
Preoccupation with our own lives often prevents us from being
aware of, and responsive to, suffering throughout the world. As
old conflicts endure and new ones spring up around the world, the
way to peace is very hard to see, and even harder to walk. The
universal reach of terror unsettles us everywhere, leaving no
place of sure safety.
But the angel said to them, "Do not
be afraid; for see―I am bringing you good news of great joy for
all the people: to you is born this day in the city of
David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord." (Luke 2:10-11, NRSV)
God's messenger speaks, and there
are universal consequences―no one is excluded from this promise!
The first to hear are those of no apparent account, a band of
scruffy shepherds who are sent to see and then become messengers
themselves, joining the angels in stirring wonder in all
who hear. Wondrous indeed, that God is at work here and now, that
this newborn in a manger is, in fact, God with us, deep in the
fragility of our flesh, deep in the world.
Messengers are still finding
hearers, and hearers quickly become messengers. Baptismal grace
ripples in every direction, creating community without borders.
For the One who came to meet us in the manger has not abandoned
our world or our lives, but is profoundly present, turning even
the fractures caused by thoughtless human power into spaces where
the Spirit blows and the Word rings, where in the fragile flesh of
the body of Christ, new life dawns with saving promise for all.
O sing to the Lord a new song, for
he has done marvelous things. (Psalm 98:1, NRSV)
