The picture the Bible gives us of the first Christmas is one of peace and serenity. You can see it with your mind’s eye: There are the shepherds, gathered around a campfire under a clear, starlit sky, quietly talking among themselves about their flocks, their families, their fortunes . . .
Down in the town of Bethlehem, away from the hustle and bustle of the multitude which has come for the census, a stable has become home to a newborn child, sleeping peacefully in the hay of the animals’ feed-trough, under the watchful eyes of his adoring parents. And even though the night sky would eventually be shattered by the singing of angels, even their message was one of “Peace on earth! Goodwill toward people!”
Why is it then, that our modern culture has taken this sacred season–which has always been meant to be a season of peace and joy and serenity–and turned it into a “season of stress?”
I’ve met so many people who have said it’s been too busy this year with too many things on and that people are tired and stressed because it’s too busy and too demanding. I was in a supermarket tonight which was quiet but the lad on the till told me “it will be hell tomorrow!” Even I am beginning to panic a bit about shopping and stuff and getting Christmas Eve and Christmas Day and December 28 and January 4 services all written this week!
In contrast with the stress we had a blue Christmas service in church this afternoon. There were only seven of us but the peace and honesty that incarnation happens when we aren’t okay was tangible. But you know I’ve even had church say why am I putting services on this week as it is Christmas!
Maybe just maybe we all need to calm down, what doesn’t happen doesn’t happen. I may forget bread sauce but the world won’t end. Maybe with a few days to go we need to hush our noise and hear the angels sing.
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