In my opinion, an often overlooked account of the birth of Christ is found in Luke’s gospel, chapter 2 (v. 21-35). Just days after the dramatic and yet lowly birth, Mary and Joseph present Jesus, their first born, at the temple in Jerusalem. This was an ordinary event in accordance with the law of Moses. But this was no ordinary child. The angels had already made it clear to the shepherds and the shepherds had already made it clear to Mary and Joseph. And Mary hid these statements away, in herself, knowing she would have to revisit them and revisit the wonder of it all. And so, the time to revisit would come quickly, mere days. Simeon was a stranger to Mary and Joseph, but not to the Lord. Like the shepherds, he interrupts an ordinary event with an extraordinary declaration. He boldly states that he can now be released. His life is now complete, having beheld the Messiah, the Light and Salvation, the Consolation of Israel, the Lord’s Christ. Mary and Joseph are again, awestruck. But then Simeon turns directly to Mary and provides an additional declaration: this Child will ultimately be opposed and generation upon generation will stumble over Him. He will uncover what is hidden in the heart of man and you Mary, will be pierced by the weight of this reality. If only Simeon would have concluded all of that with “Merry Christmas!”. But that’s what we say at this time of the year. And while that is ok, I wonder if it is enough.
The incarnation was and is an incredible testament to the nearness of God. Jesus brought and is bringing a light to what was previously unknown. And in the light is a great offense. For it is not the miraculous that turns most unbelievers away from the gospel. I would argue it is the light. For where there is light, there is darkness, unreceptive and weak. But the gospel is for the unreceptive and the weak—if received. And if not, then it is opposed. And it is highly offensive, including Christmas. The gospel is Christmas and the Christmas story is only within the gospel. Tear past pricing extravaganzas, excessive lighting, and unhinged baking—you have a celebration of the Light and Salvation becoming flesh and blood, moving into our neighborhoods. For where there is light, there is potentiality of those in the darkness to be enlightened. This is what the angels, the shepherds, and Simeon all meant when they declared: the Light and Salvation is here, and it is Him.
“Merry Christmas” is an acceptable greeting this time of the year. But what we’re really saying is, “Christ’s light is upon you. Receive Him and rise out of the shadows that immerse you.”
