God’s desire from the beginning of creation, up to this very moment is to have the birth of Jesus in that manger be a birth in us – a movement from where we are now to where God wants to lead us
When you’re a kid, time seems to slow down to a glacial pace and it feels like Christmas will never come. But, as adults, and I feel this more and more each year, it goes by like a blur.
But…Ready or not – Christmas is here once again! God is still on the move making the Christmas story our story. God’s desire from the beginning of creation, up to this very moment is to have the birth of Jesus in that manger be a birth in us – a movement from where we are now to where God wants to lead us.
In scripture there are two different Greek words used for the English word “time.” The first one is, chronos, which has to do with calendars, seasons, dates, clocks. People today are ruled by “Chronos” with alarms and reminders, google calendars, and date books…
Now, the other Greek word for time is, Kairos. Kairos has to do with the fullness of time, when circumstances are right for something to happen. Kairos moments become Godly moments in times where things just seem to fall into place.
During the Battle of the Bulge in World War II, the Army chaplain of the 106th Division was taken prisoner by the Germans. Along with many other Americans, he was herded on to a freight car and taken into the heart of Germany.
On the evening of December 23rd, the men were in the railroad yard of a German city, when a devastating attack was made by the British Royal Air Force. Many of the American prisoners were killed as well as many Germans.
The next night, Christmas Eve, the air raid was repeated. When the planes began to fly over, there was fear and alarm among the prisoners who were packed like sardines into those rail cars.
The chaplain persuaded the German officer in charge to let him go up and down the line of cars and talk to the men. As he passed by he said, “Boys, this is Christmas Eve and we are in a tough spot. But, if you have your Bibles, get them out and read the story of the birth of Jesus and you will know that He is with us even here. If you can’t read because of the darkness, then let’s sing.”
Immediately there was a medley of response. Some sang revival songs and some sang hymns. Then a rich baritone struck up “Silent Night, Holy Night,” and he was joined by others. Carload after carload joined in singing that beautiful Christmas carol. Then something marvelous happened. Other voices, German voices, began to sing the song in the original German, “Stille Nacht, Heilige Nacht.”
The German and American voices blended together in praise of Christ who, even in those terrifying moments, came to bring all people together in peace. [James D. Kegel, Christmas Peace]
A Kairos moment. A God-filled moment. The war didn’t end that day. There would still be pain and suffering. But God was present and moving on that most difficult night.
This evening, we have gathered — some of us have traveled hundreds of miles — others around the block — we have traveled throughout the year – through our own joy and sorrow – through loss and fulfillment –sometimes even through overwhelming situations –We have traveled through life…
And we have arrived here – once again – gathered as God’s people. In these holy moments – I invite us each…to pause – to take it all in…to lay aside our doubts, to lay aside our cynicism and judgments…. To stop running through our “to do” list – to put a small hold even on our excitement. And just for a moment — to stand before the mystery and awesomeness of God.
That first Christmas was a kairos moment. The world stopped — the universe paused — waiting for that initial gasp of the infant —Breathing back the promise of life into creation.
Most of the world was too preoccupied to notice –
Luke informs us that the Chronos time of this story took place during the reign of Emperor Augustus and the Syrian Governor Qurinius. People were busy traveling to their home towns not to celebrate…mind you…but to register for taxation purposes – a difficult journey, especially for Mary
But then it happened…the circumstances were just right. We are told, “While they were there, the time came for Mary to deliver her child.” The world stopped — the universe paused – Good News.
And this is what Good News looks like—in a surprising way, God breaks into the world to be with us as a helpless baby born in a stable in Bethlehem— God moments – Kairos moments. The Christmas story is filled with them…
Consider: Joseph good and righteous. But that righteousness helped him decide to divorce Mary. Then the angel spoke. Her pregnancy — was not sin — but God’s grace. The world stopped and the universe paused.
Consider: Mary — birthing the future of the world. It wasn’t long ago when Gabriel came to Mary and proclaimed her favored.
Despite the impossibility of the angel’s news, Mary looked within and saw what she could be for God. “Here I am, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.”
The world stopped and the universe paused.
Consider: the shepherds — Staring into the sky -“Do not be afraid” the angels said.
I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people…This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.’
They ran… From sorrow to joy– From hatred to love–From sickness to the healer–From sin to the savior–From death to life…The world stopped and the universe paused.
Could this humble bundle of humanity truly be God’s plan of salvation? This child Jesus, removing anything that would separate us from God. Jesus – the very being and breath of God’s grace.
Like Mary and Joseph — like the shepherds — we too arrive here as we are. Perhaps tonight in the quietness of taking communion or in a moment later on or even tomorrow, we may find that moment to pause, to look around, to allow ourselves that glimpse of God present in our lives. God present as memories fill our hearts. God present in this moment. God present as we anticipate the future and all that is to come.
God moments – Kairos moments.
The world stops and the universe pauses… Amen.
Rev. John C. Berg
Gloria Dei Lutheran Church
Northbrook, IL