Birth Announcements

Luke 2:8-20

“Birth Announcements”

25 December 2016 St. Andrew’s Military Chapel Singapore

            Last night we had a wonderful evening where we heard lessons predicting the birth of Jesus as well as readings describing the night of Christ’s birth. We capped it off with lighting candles so that each of us could hold the light of the world in our hands and physically see that the light of Christ will overcome any darkness in the world if we let that light shine rather than hide such hope from the world.

            We also explored how that whole night was nothing like the neat, tidy, rehearsed night we participated in just a few short hours ago. It was noisy and messy, much like some of your houses were early this morning, or still may be after opening of presents and the Christmas morning tradition of playing with every toy or trying on every piece of new clothing for an impromptu fashion show.

            Nothing about the story is fit for a king. If the location of his birth didn’t make people turn up their noses, the birth announcement sure did.

            I always enjoy getting birth announcements. Years ago, you’d go to the mailbox and find a post card sized piece of mail with some photos of a cute face sleeping or smiling at the camera. Embossed over the photos was a date and time with a name. Occasionally there’d be a cute statement like, “So and So said hello to the world” or “Meet the newest member of our family.” Now I see the same thing, just on Facebook where people can immediately comment on how proud they are, how cute the baby is, and how much they love the family.

            Those with more money, power, or fame will try to up the game, creating a kind of arms race in who can have the best birth reveal. Some families even get photographers and magazines into a bidding war so they can make money off sharing good news           

Regardless of the medium, the goal is to tell those who are important in your life that you have just added to the family.  

On Christmas Eve, we have the most important birth in the world and the most magnificent birth announcement that the world never noticed.

Joseph and Mary aren’t wealthy, they aren’t powerful, they aren’t famous. There is no entourage following them around waiting for the birth of the Messiah, despite a number of people knowing what was spoken to Mary regarding her son’s birth. This was probably like any other birth to a family of their status and income. Jesus is just another boy born into a carpenter’s family.

Yet, just see that birth announcement. Its night in the pasture after a hard day chasing sheep. The shepherds are dirty, smelly, tired. They’ve just finished dinner and are sitting around the fire telling stories of how they have protected their flock for one more day. No one will get fired for losing a sheep tonight. Then suddenly they see something that looks like a man standing in the middle of a bright light. They jump up, not knowing what to make of this intruder. He says, “It’s ok. I bring wonderful news. The Messiah has been born. He’s just over that hill in Bethlehem and he wants to see you.”

These shepherds are wary of this vision for they’ve been harassed and taken advantage of many times in their lives. It’s probably the owner playing a trick on them to see who will leave their flock so he can bring in a new shepherd for less pay. Suddenly, heaven opens up in the middle of the night. Angels descend in full glory. The field shines as if it’s the middle of the day. There is the most moving and perfect melody any of them have ever heard. A peace, calm, and warmth washes over them. It’s unexplainable, but they know something big is happening.

So, they leave their flocks and head to Bethlehem. And, just like they were told, they find the baby exactly where he was supposed to be, in a manger. A piece of equipment they know well. They look at each other with as bemused glance. It’s only then they notice Joseph, Mary, and a few others who heard the cries of a baby and checked to make sure all was well. With knowing smirks on their faces, they tell the small crowd how they ended up in a barn, in Bethlehem while their sheep are alone in the fields.

Some people won’t believe he is the king because the majestic birth announcement everyone was waiting on went to the wrong people. The poor migrant workers received the news first rather than those who believed they deserved the surprise news. It reminds me of a scene from the movie Big Daddy. (Play video)

Did God waste the surprise on the Sonnys of the world, or were they the intended recipient of the good news from the beginning?

Jesus was no ordinary King. Just look at the stories we have of his life. Born to unwed parents who were not of the priestly or powerful families of the day. Christ learned the trade of carpentry because Joseph was a carpenter and people learned the trade of their family. He lived the itinerant life going from town to town with his small group of close friends that had questionable backgrounds of their own. When they stayed in towns, it was with friends rather than in places of power or the Shangri La of the day. Jesus dined with the outcasts of society and died with the label of a defeated revolutionary.

Because we know the rest of the story and not just the bizarre events of this night in Bethlehem, we know that Christ’s birth announcement was received by the exact people to whom it was intended. The people Christ came to save and release from the bondage of the world. We too have heard and seen the birth announcement. All of us who live messy lives with battle scars, we who hide wounds that we have inflicted as well as absorbed, we are the ones to whom the announcement resonates with and uplifts our souls because we are the intended recipients of the glorious news of a proud father. We are part of the family.

As we sit with the beautiful image of the best birth announcement we’ll ever receive. Let us join with the shepherds and not just treasure receiving the news and do more than just post the photo on our refrigerator or make a short, happy comment on Facebook. Rather, let us go tell it on the mountain that Jesus Christ is born glorifying and praising God for we have been selected to see and hear the greatest birth announcement in history.

A Messy Night

Luke 2:1-20

“A Messy Story”

24 December 2016 St. Andrew’s Military Chapel Singapore

            How many people love getting messy? For the young ones among us I would imagine quite a few like getting messy. Playing outside in the mud and dirt. The mess we make when baking cookies, especially Christmas cookies as we not only make the batter and get that everywhere, but all of the green and red sprinkles that we are still finding in July. But, as we get older we tend to avoid messes of all kinds.

            We have to keep our rooms neat and tidy, lest anyone discover that we are messy and lead messy lives. We can’t track dirt inside the house. How many here have endured the shower from the tap outside before being allowed to enter the house only to immediately go through another shower to get you completely clean.

We won’t even let people think one part of our lives are messy. We airbrush and photoshop the photos we post online so that people think we have perfect and neat skin. We put on happy smiling faces here in church lest people assume our lives aren’t perfect and that we don’t struggle in any area of our lives.

The fear of being messy even led to a TV series filmed in the US, and eventually Australia, called “Dirty Jobs” where Mike Rowe went and found some of the messiest jobs in America and spent a day or two walking along with those who America deemed unlucky to have such a messy career.

But, as we learned about the people who clean porta potties, clean out sewers, spray down the vats that make wine and beer, mix and lay concrete on our roads, sweep chimneys, etc. we saw people who may have had “messy” jobs but that were upbeat and happy people. How could someone with such a dirty job and lifestyle be so happy?

Which brings us to tonight and the birth of Christ. How in the world could the Messiah arrive in a messy stable in Bethlehem to an unwed mother as a tiny, needy, messy baby? This makes no sense. Rarely do stories of heroic leaders begin with the future king’s birth in a barn full of common animals. Even more unique is the fact that Jesus’ birth stories admit his lineage may not be perfectly neat. There could be questions as to his claim to the throne because Joseph wasn’t a priest or royalty, he was just a simple, messy carpenter.

But, maybe that is the point. God chose to become human not because God needed to, but because God wanted to become human to show us a different way than the world provides. Life is messy, full of troubles and frustrations, and no matter how much we try to hide the mess, it’s still in the closet, under the rug and furniture, or collecting in the corners we can’t quite reach.

            By entering the world in a messy way, God showed us God would be there in the mess of life. We call Christ Emmanuel, God is with us. And no matter the mess we make or find ourselves in God is truly with us. We couldn’t say that if God entered the world in golden splendor attended to by a royal court with all of the worldly money and power he desired. We need a savior that is with us, one of us. One that is at home with the nice and the messy. One that befriends shepherds, tax collectors, lepers, Samaritans, etc. By being one of us and knowing first hand the mess of the world and our lives, he truly is our Savior and that is the Gospel truth of Christmas.

Week In Review (Dec 20th-26th 2010)

Short week is the best way to describe the past week.  That just means that we did 5 days worth of work in 3.

Monday was filled with briefs and other office work as is becoming the routine.  Went to dental for a checkup in the morning.  Of course they scheduled my cleaning on my day off.  Had an intel brief and overview of the upcoming deployment.  It gave me some framework with which to start planning our ministry plan for when we finally get in country.  I also did my first PRT since coming back on active duty.  I wanted to get one on the upcoming fitrep and to get on the cycle with the rest of the Navy personnel in the battalion.  I should have pushed the sit-ups a bit more and maxed those out.  I was remembering the old scoring system where your weakest area governed your overall score.  I figured I would run about 11min so didn't worry about the other areas too much.  I ran a 9:55 and should have maxed the sit-ups like I did the push ups then the overall would have been much higher.  Oh well, lesson learned for the spring cycle.

Tuesday was more meetings in the morning getting some predeployment presentations ready and then the afternoon was a cultural brief for the deployment.  That was pretty interesting and I got some good book recommendations from the presenter.  I also learned I can get some one-on-one tutoring on the local language before we deploy and will set up a schedule this coming week.  I think knowing the language, however limited, will help break the ice and open doors with the locals when we are deployed. 

Wednesday was a medical stand down which meant I had to have my record checked for a few things.  Seeing how I just checked in nothing was a surprise and I had to get a typhoid vaccination (its my 3rd one since joining) because the record didn't transfer.  I need to find that yellow card soon to update everything.  I get to endure the yellow fever one again once they have enough people to open a vial.  And I am sure there are more shots coming before the deployment.  We then put everyone on their 96 hour liberty and had our holiday party.  They moved the schedule up 30 minutes from what was published so I literally walked in to the party right as the CO was calling for me to do the blessing.  Divine intervention got me there in time to do the blessing and not miss my one job for the evening.

Spent the weekend at home for Christmas and got to see some snow finally.  I kept hearing all the people back in Durham talk about snow repeatedly this winter and was getting a little jealous.

The above picture is my parent's neighborhood right before I left this afternoon.  I was grateful that the NC DOT did a wonderful job clearing the roads this morning and that allowed me a smooth ride back.  There was one wreck on I-40 and I still can't figure out how it happened.  The road was completely dry where it occurred and there were 5 cars involved.

Next week is another short week as the 96 hour ends tomorrow afternoon and then we get another one starting Thursday at noon.  I can't go anywhere as I have CACO watch for the next 10 days starting tomorrow. 

Merry Christmas

I guess since everyone else is posting related to today being Christmas Eve, I'll join in the party.  I'm headed home for the holiday and will be back down to Lejeune on Sunday night as I have to take over CACO watch starting Monday morning and have it through the new year.  No parties for me I guess.  Seeing how I'll be deployed next year doing ministry to those who stand the watch I figured I borrow some poems I found over at Blackfive that sum up why I find it important to be doing what I do in taking care of the Marines and Sailors with whom I serve. 

The first one is pretty well known among the military circles:

‘Twas the night before Christmas, he lived all alone,
In a one-bedroom house made of plaster and stone.
I had come down the chimney, with presents to give
and to see just who in this home did live.

As I looked all about, a strange sight I did see,
no tinsel, no presents, not even a tree.
No stocking by the fire, just boots filled with sand.
On the wall hung pictures of a far distant land.

With medals and badges, awards of all kind,
a sobering thought soon came to my mind.
For this house was different, unlike any I’d seen.
This was the home of a U.S. Marine.

I’d heard stories about them, I had to see more,
so I walked down the hall and pushed open the door.
And there he lay sleeping, silent, alone,
Curled up on the floor in his one-bedroom home.

He seemed so gentle, his face so serene,
Not how I pictured a U.S. Marine.
Was this the hero, of whom I’d just read?
Curled up in his poncho, a floor for his bed?

His head was clean-shaven, his weathered face tan.
I soon understood, this was more than a man.
For I realized the families that I saw that night,
owed their lives to these men, who were willing to fight.

Soon around the Nation, the children would play,
And grown-ups would celebrate on a bright Christmas day.
They all enjoyed freedom, each month and all year,
because of Marines like this one lying here.

I couldn’t help wonder how many lay alone,
on a cold Christmas Eve, in a land far from home.
Just the very thought brought a tear to my eye.
I dropped to my knees and I started to cry.

He must have awoken, for I heard a rough voice,
“Santa, don’t cry, this life is my choice
I fight for freedom, I don’t ask for more.
My life is my God, my country, my Corps.”

With that he rolled over, drifted off into sleep,
I couldn’t control it, I continued to weep.

I watched him for hours, so silent and still.
I noticed he shivered from the cold night’s chill.
So I took off my jacket, the one made of red,
and covered this Marine from his toes to his head.
Then I put on his T-shirt of scarlet and gold,
with an eagle, globe and anchor emblazoned so bold.
And although it barely fit me, I began to swell with pride,
and for one shining moment, I was Marine Corps deep inside.

I didn’t want to leave him so quiet in the night,
this guardian of honor so willing to fight.
But half asleep he rolled over, and in a voice clean and pure,
said “Carry on, Santa, it’s Christmas Day, all secure.”
One look at my watch and I knew he was right,
Merry Christmas my friend, Semper Fi and goodnight.

©Copyright circa 1991 by James M. Schmidt
(As printers in the December 1991 issue of the USMC magazine, Leatherneck)

The second I just saw for the first time today and wanted to post it as well as it is a good thing for those who don't have the best of feelings for the military to read to get an insight into why those in the service volunteer to stand watch this time of year:

A DIFFERENT CHRISTMAS POEM

The embers glowed softly, and in their dim light,

I  gazed round the room  and I cherished the sight.

My wife was asleep, her head on my chest,

My daughter beside me, angelic in rest.

Outside the snow fell, a blanket of white,

transforming the yard to a winter delight.

The sparkling lights in the tree I believe,

completed the magic that was Christmas Eve.

My eyelids were heavy, my breathing was deep,

Secure and surrounded by love I would sleep.

In perfect contentment, or so it would seem,

So I slumbered, perhaps I started to dream.

The sound wasn't loud, and it wasn't too near,

But I opened my eyes when it tickled my ear.

Perhaps just a cough, I didn't quite know,

Then the sure sound of footsteps outside in the snow.

My soul gave a tremble, I struggled to hear,

And I crept to the door  just to see who was near.

Standing out in the cold and the dark of the night,

a lone figure stood, his face weary and tight.

A soldier, I puzzled, some twenty years old,

Perhaps a Marine, huddled  here in the cold.

Alone in the dark, he looked up and smiled,

standing watch over me, and my wife and my child.

"What are you doing?" I asked without fear,

Put down your pack, brush the snow from your sleeve,

You should be at home on a cold Christmas Eve!"

For barely a moment I saw his eyes shift,

Away from the cold and the  snow blown in drifts..

To the window that danced with a warm fire's light.

Then he sighed and he said "Its really all right,

I'm out here by choice. I'm here every  night."

"It's my duty to stand at the front of the line,

That separates you from  the darkest of times.

No one had to ask or beg or implore me,

I'm proud to stand here like my fathers before me.

My Gramps died at 'Pearl on a day in December,"

Then he sighed, "That's  a Christmas 'Gram always remembers."

My dad stood his watch in the jungles of 'Nam,'

And now it is my turn  and so, here I am.

I've not seen my own son in more than a while,

But  my wife sends me  pictures, he's sure got her smile.

Then he bent and he carefully pulled from his bag,

The red, white, and  blue... an American flag.

"I can live through the cold and the being alone,

Away from my family, my house and my home.

I can stand at my post through the rain and the sleet,

I can sleep in a  foxhole with little to eat.

I can carry the weight of killing another,

Or lay down my life with my  sister and brother..

Who stand at the front against any and all,

To ensure for all time that  this flag will not fall."

"So go back inside," he said, "harbor no fright,

Your family is waiting  and I'll be all right."

"But isn't there something I can do, at the least,

"Give you money," I  asked, "or prepare you a feast?"

It seems all too little for all that you've done,

For being away from  your wife and your son."

Then his eye welled a tear that held no regret,

"Just tell us you love  us, and never forget.

To fight for our rights back at home while we're gone,

To stand your own watch, no matter how long.

    For when we come home, either standing or dead,

To know you remember we fought and we bled.

    Is payment enough, and with that we will trust,

That we mattered to you as you mattered to us.

H/T Subsunk at Blackfive

My prayer for this night is for the safe return of those who are standing the watch tonight.  I have good friends all around the world tonight and I remember the days I was out there at Christmas.  We treated it like any other day knowing that we'd get a chance to celebrate it when we got back.  And I also use this night to pray for everyone to finally lay down arms and see beyond our nature to see God's good plan for us.  But until then, I'll continue to serve those who are on watch as long as God sees fit.  

Merry Christmas!