Christmas Sermon at Joint Base Langley-Eustis

Bethel Manor Chapel, Joint Base Langley-Eustis
Hampton, Virginia

What was it like when Jesus was born? His birth is only described in Matthew and Luke’s gospels; Mark and John open with the adult Jesus. We know the story, but what was it really like? Reflection and imagining help create the scene for us.

It was 90 miles from Nazareth to Bethlehem. It was an exhausting trip from the northern highlands of Galilee … along the flatlands of the Jordan River, then over the hills surrounding Jerusalem to Bethlehem. In antiquity the most people could travel in a day was 20 miles. Knowing Mary’s impending delivery, 10 miles a day would be an taxing effort. The rough trails and harsh weather weren’t the only hazards. Bandits and robbers were common along the major trade routes. Probably Joseph and Mary would  join trade caravans for safety. They carried their own provisions: water in wineskins; a lot of bread … breakfast of dried bread; lunch, oil with bread; dinner, herbs with oil and bread. They had no relatives in Bethlehem; were rejected at inns; forced to take refuge in a stable. …

Imagine being with them … excited … trusting in God but still worried. They made the manger as comfortable as they could. Mary goes into labor and gives birth. Many of you have witnessed birth … it was the same for Mary and Joseph. The baby was beautiful … all parents make the same testimony. He was cradled and loved — Mary nursed Him and had diapers ready. You’ve experienced these treasured moments. All babies have their own time schedule; no way conforming to the parents’. Jesus was the same: He slept; the parents seldom did.

Then visitors came … no doubt mothers nearby came checking on them — you’ve experienced the same. I’m sure Mary offered the baby to be held — her life was total giving and sharing. We are there in our imagination … this kind mother trusted me to hold her baby — mothers love doing this; men are afraid, worried they may squeeze too hard. Look in His eyes … you feel Him give God’s love … parents can sense God’s love in their baby. The unexpected shepherds come; they were rough, lived outside; smelled; they shared what the angel said … I’m sure they held the Baby when offered. And the magi came — how does one react to their riches? It’s hard to imagine the shepherds and magi, their lives were so different but they were accepted and loved.

Danger comes: the murderous Herod felt the threat to his rule and ordered the soldiers to kill every two-year-old and younger male child. I think they just killed any baby; they were as cruel as their master. Why a baby? We can’t fathom this. The family fled to Egypt for safety; not knowing the language, living in squalor, the only place they could afford. Be their neighbors; help them; watch Jesus take His first step and love being with people and relish God’s beautiful nature and laughing.

The years pass … perhaps we heard Jesus speak, cure … what ones stand out? We remember His parents letting us hold Jesus. And on a hill overlooking Jerusalem, He is nailed to a cross … this innocent loving baby we held, loved and treasured … now killed. He did this to prove God’s love and tell the world our home is heaven. … Just believe, trust, love and follow the commandments. Look at the manger. This is God who loves you and me just the way we are. Hope in Darkness is what Christmas is about … this is what we are living through now. Go to the Lord. Let Him love you.