NECESSARY TRUTHS

GOSPEL — MATTHEW 2:13-23
The First Sunday of Christmas

This tragic account in Matthew’s gospel today comes as a bleak and jarring interruption in this season of joy. It is a hard text to hear and a hard text to preach. And yet this text speaks truths that we would do well to hear, in this and all seasons.

This story of terror also invites us to see, confront, and lament the griefs and injustices in our world, none of which take a nice, neat break for the holidays. As the holy family fled to safety, so also do current populations of refugees, migrants, and asylum-seekers flee their homelands in search of security and opportunity. As Herod rages out of insecurity and fear, so also do our government and world leaders grapple and ever go to war over questions of power, authority, and control. As the trauma of violence gives way to inconsolable loss, so also do many in our midst know the sting of deep and even debilitating grief.

This gospel account draws us beyond our own celebrations out to the persistent needs in our world. It challenges us to stand in solidarity and compassion with all who do not have the luxury of joy in this season. It gives us permission to honor the griefs and struggles that we are too often told have no place in Christmas cheer and celebration.

Howard Thurman, in his poem “The Work of Christmas,” reminds his listeners that when the bustle of holiday celebrations is through, the needs of the world remain. The true work of the season is hearing the call of the vulnerable and powerless infant Christ, and going forth to attend to the needs of our neighbors and to work toward a world of peace and provision that is truly good news for all people.

From sundaysandseasons.com.
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