Orphans and Children
Christmas 1 – December 31. 2023
Isaiah 61:10-62:3
Psalm 148
Galatians 4:4-7
Luke 2:22-40
In our short reading from Galatians today Paul reminds us that we are the adopted children of God. What is interesting to note is that he tells us that we were adopted out of slavery. That is a contrast that seems a bit strange and even troubling in our time. I am not sure if that was true in Paul’s time, but, if I were to wager a guess, I would think adopting a slave was a rarity, if it happened at all. That may be part of Paul’s point here. God does not operate as the world does. While the world looks to see a person’s value as to how much money you can make for them, God looks at what gifts you need to be a member of God’s kingdom. The difference between being children and being slaves.
Our adoption is not some ordinary thing, it was bought at a price. This child whose birth we celebrate this Christmas season, whom shepherds and wise men visited, gave his life for your adoption. While Mary and Joseph did not understand all of what had happened, they did know that Jesus was a gift to them, as all children are. That is why they dedicated Jesus at the temple. Much to their surprise, there were two people waiting for them – Simeon and Anna; Simeon had waited for Jesus all his life. Upon seeing Jesus Simeon and Anna gave glory to God.
Anna and Simeon are the unusual ones in the story. They could see God’s gift while others just saw another child. Some only saw an opportunity to turn a profit by changing Joseph’s money or selling him a couple of birds. More about that later. What stands out in all of our texts is that Anna and Simeon praised God for the gift of Jesus. A reminder that we should praise God for all the gifts God has given us. The gifts are many but what are we to do with them? Are you going to show and share them with the world? Or are you going to hide them? Or try to turn them into profit?
This gift of a son certainly did bring joy to Mary and Joseph. Simeon also told Mary and Joseph that God’s gift will not always bring joy but a sword will also pierce their soul. The gospels give us a few examples. Like the time people tell Mary that Jesus is acting crazy. The Greek text in this passage says that Jesus is “besides himself.” Hearing this, Mary and Jesus’ brothers go to get him. And in front of the whole crowd he asks who his mother and brothers are and he points to the crowd and calls them his mother and brothers. Harsh words for any mother to hear. Mary was also one who stood and watched her son die on the cross. Yes, God’s gifts can bring joy but they also bring struggle, and sometimes great pain.
As you celebrate the greatest gift that you will ever receive – Jesus Emmanuel – ponder all the other gifts that God has given you. How can you turn those gifts into joy for others? For a gift stored away and not shared is no gift at all. But, a gift given and shared will reflect the gift of Jesus in the love and reverence with which you share it. For unto you a gift has been given, unto you a child born, now offer your gifts to him.