Being Christ-Adults

Today we hear about babies in wombs – Elizabeth’s and Mary’s.  These are two remarkable women who carried two remarkable men: Jesus and John the Baptist.  John leaped in Elizabeth’s womb when Jesus was near.  With Jesus being near us – just 5 days away – it’s time for all of us to leap with joy because like John, we can sense his presence – his nearness.

What’s more life-giving than a woman’s womb.  From the moment a fertilized cell implants; to the developing embryo and then the fetus; to the baby that grows during its relatively brief stay in its mother’s body, the womb is that place of life and safety before the baby leaves and we hear its first cry.  

We’ve all had that place in our mother’s womb with Psalm 139 telling us that’s where our relationship with God begins.   It reads: “You formed my inmost being; you knit me in my mother’s womb.  I praise you, so wonderfully you made me; wonderful are your works!”  And it is the hope of every father and mother that our children will do wonderful works as grateful paybacks for the lives God has given them.

Our Gospel speaks of Jesus as a baby who did wonderful works as a man.  We know absolutely nothing about him as a child.  But as an adult, Jesus said to follow him through works of giving food to the hungry, drink to the thirsty, clothes to the naked, and by caring for the ill and welcoming the stranger. On this 4th Sunday of Advent he looks into our eyes and asks the same of all of us. 
     
We remember this man we call Jesus the Christ by anticipating the day of his birth.  This season it’s all about the Christ-child we sing about with our choir taking us back to the time and place of his birth through their beautifully sung carols.

As we wait for the symbolic time of his birth, sometimes we forget he is already here.  We make Christ present now by what we do through charitable donations, the giving tree, the food pantry, visits to the sick and homebound, and even by smiles, warm handshakes, and well-wishes. 

We make Christ present now by what we say especially when we make amends with those we have hurt and with friends and family from whom we are estranged. Preparing for the arrival of our Christ-child, is a wake-up call for all of us to be Christ-adults who repair relationships.

There’s a 1946 movie most of us see every year at Christmas time – “It’s a Wonderful Life” starring Jimmy Stewart as George Bailey who is helped by Clarence the Angel.  It takes place in Bedford Falls where George who is about to lose everything – his bank, his home, and even his family – is headed for jail due to the corrupt and despicable behavior of the town’s other banker, Mr. Potter.  

On Christmas Eve George has a meltdown, but unexpectedly he’s brought back to his senses by his little daughter Zuzu.   But first, out of despair George considers suicide by throwing himself off a bridge.  Before he does, he finds in his pocket petals from Zuzu’s paper flower she gave him when she was sick. 

He suddenly remembers his daughter’s love and his love for her, and that changes everything.  He goes home to his family where once again he finds comfort, joy, friends, salvation, and, of course, his daughter.  Truly, his was a wonderful life as is all of ours even when we’re in pain.

Let’s turn to our last Advent candle – the one that symbolizes love.  The flame of that love-candle should guide us through the coming week and especially help us remember the Zuzu’s in our lives – our Christ-children – and that we are to be Christ-adults for them.

Have a wonderful week and then a very Merry and Holy Christmas.  We shouldn’t need a kick to remind us to be unafraid and to take the leap – like Mary and Elizabeth – to carry the presence of Christ to those around us: our family, friends, our kids, and to those we don’t know well but are in need.

Deacon David Pierce