Gathered at the Manger with Love – 24 December 2022 – Christmas Eve

This Christmas, like those families so long ago brought together by the Roman Empire, we gather together as one family. We meet all members of one body and receive and celebrate God’s wonderful gift to us. . . –– Michael Beck

Luke 2:1–14 [15–20]

Luke’s story of the birth of Jesus is the most detailed, and most recited, account of the event. Several features are worth mentioning. Augustus Caesar was widely known as a savior and god to the Romans and the peace he brought was legendary. Into this period, Jesus, the true savior and God, is born. In fact, Luke is the only gospel to name Jesus as Savior. He is wrapped in swaddling clothes, much like David’s first son, Solomon (Wisdom 7:4–6).

Angels announce his birth first to shepherds, signaling Jesus’ ministry to the poor and marginalized throughout his ministry. The baby is laid in a feeding trough and Luke will use food and banquet imagery to talk about the kingdom of God. Perhaps most poignant is verse 19. Luke, of all the gospels, offers a glimpse into Mary’s mind and heart and the effect of the miraculous birth on her. –– Phyllis Vos Wezeman

Titus 2:11–14

Along with 1 and 2 Timothy, Titus is considered one of the pastoral epistles whose date and authorship are disputed, with some scholars arguing for Pauline authorship and others convinced that these letters are the work of a later hand. In either case, the early church considered Titus as canonical and the second chapter is taken from the section on the Christian life. The opening of the chapter speaks about behavior, much like other examples in Paul (e.g., Ephesians 4:25ff; Colossians 3:1–17; Romans 12:9–21). In closing the chapter, Paul credits God’s grace for salvation and the power to help us reject “godless ways” and “make us eager to do what is good.” –– Phyllis Vos Wezeman

Isaiah 9:2–7

In the eighth century, King Ahaz, fearing that Israel would suffer as a result of the Syro-Ephraimite alliance, turned to Assyria for assistance. Assyria eventually turned on Israel and laid siege to Jerusalem in 701. Isaiah challenged Ahaz to trust in the Lord, and his visions produced most of the so-called “messianic prophecies,” of which the beginning of chapter 9 is probably the most well-known.

While Jewish interpretation might see the child as the good king Hezekiah or an unnamed messiah who would free them from their enemies, Christians have seen in these words the description of Jesus. He is given authority (dominion) and great wisdom (wonderful-counselor). He defends the people from their enemies (God-hero) and loves his people forever (Father- Forever). Finally, he is Prince of Peace, whose reign is marked by the just peace of God. –– Phyllis Vos Wezeman

Michael Beck, an Anglican parish priest with a DMin in preaching (2004) from the Association of Chicago Theological Schools, serves as tutor for preaching at the Lindisfarne College of Theology, Durham University, United Kingdom.

Phyllis Vos Wezeman, has served as the director of Christian Nurture at First Presbyterian Church of South Bend, Indiana; as the Calvin Institute Project Director of the “Worship for Life Resource Collection” (Logos Productions 2008); and has lectured in China, Malawi, and Russia.

Homily Service 41, no. 1 (2007): 53–66.