Christmas Leftovers

Rev 5:1-10 John1:43-51

I do not like letting go of Christmas! I want to keep the decorations up for as long as possible, and I want to hold on to the specialness of the days around new year when at last there is a quietness and a reverence in the air which give me time to think. But in the end, it all has to be cleared away for the Christmas tree is starting to drop, dust is gathering on the shelves where I put my cards, the last stray bits of wrapping paper are gathered up for recycling and I’ve nearly chomped my way through the chocolates and nuts, lovingly purchased for the festive season but which do me little good, and so things return to normal, and largely I remain the same. A Christmas left over!

The story of Jesus’ birth is wonderful because everyone is changed as a result of it. Mary and Joseph are very different people now from what they were in Nazareth. They are hardened travellers. They are God bearers.  Shepherds have discovered a confidence and a value they never thought they had and the kings have completely reviewed their royal status in the light of their visit to the manger.  Through their experience of Christmas, they have each discovered their unique calling, and now they go their way into a new world. Trembling maybe, but deep down, full of hope.

We remain largely the same. Yes, touched by the story, but not easily finding our place within it, until maybe this morning and this Gospel reading. For in today’s verses we find Jesus setting out to Galilee and as he goes he attracts followers as if he were the strongest of magnets. It all happens so quickly and seemingly so haphazardly. He calls those who are standing around, sitting under trees, doing their daily work. He draws people by word of mouth of the same family or group of neighbours. We hear of only a few of these calls in the verses we have shared, but who is to say that they are not representative of many others.  Representative of people like you and I , the Christmas left overs, loving the story dearly, but wondering where our place might be inside it.

Here is the day when we stand up with the shepherds, when we journey on in a new way like the wise men for we have to allow our lives to be molded by the impact of the incarnation, just as Mary and Joseph’s were.  We recoil at this for we think we are unworthy. That bible stories are about others rather than ourselves. But then we have Revelation’s assurances ringing in our ears. For these verses speak of everyone made worthy for a calling through Christ, of his kingdom not being set in place by a chosen few, but that “they come from every tribe and tongue and people and nation” to form “ a kingdom and priests to serve our God”. Could that be a hint to us.

Our Family Crib Service on Christmas Eve  ends with a procession. The star leads the way. Mary and Joseph and the baby Jesus follow and the shepherds, wise men and angels fall in behind, and when they are gone the congregation never quite knows what to do with itself. and I want to say, join on the end, feel yourself called as much as they, realise that the story that warms our hearts so much, will never be complete until you do.

By his incarnation, there is no such thing as Christmas leftovers.  His call spreads like wildfire. From Andrew to Peter, from Peter to Philip. From Philip to Nathanael, and where to next, is the Gospel’s question.  Where to next if the way between heaven and earth is now opened wide. He stoops down surely he does, towards the likes of you and me, and that is the cause for joy on this day. The reality of Epiphany is widening out all the time.        RH 15.1.12