Christmas Reflections I

I promised I'd record my reflections on the exercise of juxtaposing the Holy Birth narrative with the Passion.

My first reaction was the extraordinary amount of preparation necessary for Christ's coming. I firmly believe that this was G-d's plan from the beginning - this was not plan B. The momentum of all nature was moving towards this moment from before the dawn of time. The Birth of the Savior of the world took thousands of years of preparation; this is His Great Plan, yet how often do I expect immediate results in my own life? He is always perfect in His timing.

But the intention of the plan never ended in Bethlehem, and as I’ve read and reread John’s account of the Passion Week, I’m always curious as to how much Jesus knew and when he knew it. Calvin suggests that when Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father (Jn. 13:1), “This should be noted carefully, for it refers to Christ’s knowledge that his death was a passing on to the heavenly kingdom of G-d.” Did he know this passing would come with a painful, albeit brief, separation?

I wonder what Mary thought, hearing the words of the angel in her memory, as she birthed her son in less than desirable conditions. This dichotomy permeates Christ’s life – the high, kingly priest contrast with the lowly, humble birth, life and death. The Servant King, meek and loving in his last days, serving his closest friends.

Regardless of how much or when He knew it, His purpose is clear. Zechariah’s testimony claims the history of G-d’s provision of salvation, and that Christ will enable us to serve him without fear in holiness and righteousness before him all our days. This verse does not allow me to be content with just “being saved.” This is engaging, participatory, and continues to carry the momentum of all creation towards the fulfillment of G-d’s purposes on this terrestrial sphere, and beyond.