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wings
Let Christmas be merry;
We already have the Gift
In "A Guide To Prayer For All Who Seek God," authors Norman Shawchuck and Rueben Job write:
Christmas holds the key to unlocking the deepest mysteries of our lives. Who are we, where did we come from, is there meaning to our lives, and where are we going? Granted, we focus at this time on the birth of Jesus, on the exchange of gifts, and the place of joy and triumph even when days are dark and foreboding. But the enormous truth of Christmas rests in the revelation of God's self to humankind.
God truly wants and desires us to know God. Now, this is God the creator of the universe and beyond. And this Almighty One wants to be known by us and be in a relationship with human beings. As a friend of mine was prone to say, "That's enough to shout about!"
The gospel of John says it this way: And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father's only son full of grace and truth. I want you to think about this. Even after living with us, Jesus still called us to be co-laborers with him in introducing Jesus to others.
In my last column, I wrote about my visit to Mozambique and Zimbabwe. I didn't mention that one of the most impressive experiences had by me along with other members of the Council of Bishops was to witness the excitement and vitality of the United Methodist Church in Africa. The people there are just plain overjoyed and exhilarated with Jesus. I attended a church where a young female pastor served more than 900 people. She started this movement under a tree in a depressed community outside of Maputo, Mozambique. In Africa, pastors of new church starts are unpaid, without any promise of a salary. They are sent out into a community to live among the people and tell the wonderful story of God's love for humanity as demonstrated through the birth, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus.
And so I appreciate that, for the people of Africa, Christmas is merry. Christmas is merry not because of the anticipation of gifts under a tree. Christmas is merry not because they anticipate a new car in the driveway, or a vacation trip to the beach or mountains. No, Christmas is merry because "God so loved the world that God gave the only son he had." Through this son, the people of Africa might know God. When you think about this, let it be felt deep in your heart. Let it bring a smile on your face and joy to your life. This is what makes Christmas merry. It is what Cornelius felt when Peter preached to him and his family, and they heard the Good News.
We are a blessed people to have heard and received the gospel. No wonder that on the day of Jesus' birth, the shepherds heard the angels sing, "Joy to the world!" You and I can be filled with joy during Advent because we already have the Gift. The Gift keeps on giving joy as we share Jesus with others.
Merry Christmas, Holston Conference
James E. Swanson Sr.
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Bishop James Swanson
Resident Bishop
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