NEED A SAVIOR?

Luke 2:1-20

Sermon Series: Seeking Something More

The annual children’s Christmas pageant at Good Shepherd United Methodist Church(1) was progressing very smoothly, thanks to some last minute emergency rehearsals, needed because the cast and crew weren’t quite ready and they had run into a few technical and behavioral problems.

One of the narrators kept stumbling over “while Quirinius was governor of Syria”: “Quir . . . Quir . . . what?” It was hard to remember. And she once called him “the governor of Searcy.”

Also, there was a costume problem that had to be worked out. Joseph’s robe was just a bit too long, so he stepped on it, of course, and fell headlong into the manger and the whole cast fell out into helpless laughter. Another, better fitting robe was quickly supplied and rehearsal resumed, with occasional snickers and giggles about Joseph’s sprawl.

There was confusion about the shepherd’s fearful response when the angel of the Lord appeared. All three shepherds excitedly and noisily ran off stage but only two came back to hear the announcement of the Savior’s birth. The crew had to go look for the lost shepherd before rehearsals could resume.

There was a technical problem with the glory of the Lord shining around the shepherds. An electrical short caused the spotlight to strobe on and off, so that characters appeared to be momentarily frozen in a series of scenes with flashing lights. Some of the heavenly hosts became nauseous and announced that they were going to throw up. But that too was corrected.

The worst thing that happened during rehearsal was that one of the Wise Men pulled Mary’s hair. She screamed, then turned around and busted him in the mouth with her fist. Both were in tears that were quickly soothed by the director. She warned the entire cast that any more foolishness would result in the offender being sent home.

Thus began the portrayal of the birth of the Savior. The place was packed. The pageant had begun only ten minutes late. All was going very well. The innkeeper had remembered to shoo Joseph and Mary away, although with an obvious note of guilt in her voice. Mary was looking a bit dazed after a camera flash went off in her eyes, but she quickly recovered her forced look of composure, pretending it was just she and Joseph in the stable and her grandparents had not come all the way from Forrest City to see her play this role.

When the angel announced in a very soft voice that the shepherds didn’t need to be afraid, it was the angel who appeared most frightened. The shepherds, in fact, now seemed somewhat oblivious to what was going on.

Only four angels constituted “a multitude of the heavenly hosts.” Their praising God and singing the Gloria in excelsis Deo was less than enthusiastic, but it didn’t matter. Their parents, who had heard them practice for days and feared a mess up, were just relieved that they got through it.

One of the four angels, Jason, was to make the parting statement, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!”(2:14) Jason had practiced his line in the mirror at home all week. It wasn’t the usual way kids like him spoke, so he wanted to be sure to get the words in the right order. He kept mumbling to himself, “Angels sure do talk funny.”

The big moment arrived. Jason was center stage. He cried out, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and . . . and . . . and . . .” A puzzled look washed across his face. He knew the words. Why couldn’t he remember them now? He looked at some of his angel friends, who just shrugged their shoulders. He began again, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and . . . and . . . and peace on earth . . . please?”

The shepherds hadn’t really known what he was going to say, so they were none the wiser. It seemed to be a request by Jason, the erstwhile angel, a reasonable thing to ask. Peace on earth . . . please?

That’s my request, my prayer, too this Christmas as we announce the birth of the Prince of Peace to hearts that are anxious and worried about the future of this wonderful but abused planet. Peace on earth, please.

That is my prayer this Christmas for hearts hurt by disappointment, distrust, disease, grief and loss, and all in need of healing. Peace on earth, please.

That is my request this Christmas for hearts hardened and hateful, hearts indifferent and unjust, that divide God’s people and contribute to civil and social unrest and war. Peace on earth and goodwill, please.

God grant that we will walk in the path of this one born among us who can “guide our feet into the way of peace.”(Luke 1:79), and hold out before us the promise of what is possible for all people through the example of the One born in Bethlehem—and give us the courage to follow him. Peace on earth, please.

Dear God, give us shepherd-like joyful faith that glorifies and praises you for what we have heard and seen through your Son, our Savior, the light of the world! Thanks be to God. Amen.

1. Based upon a story by Mark Lloyd Richardson, Preaching: Word & Witness, December 24, 2003 (Liturgical Publications, Inc., New Berlin, WI), 04:1 (Year C).