We have some good news and we have some bad news

Gathering Prayer: Holy One who is know to us by many names and in many ways, we give thanks for the blessings that we have in our lives. You know the thoughts of our hearts; hear our prayers. Be present now as we enter a time of thought and discussion.

Focus: Tom and Bob were two friends who were avid baseball fans. They made a pact that whoever died first would come back and let the other know what heaven was like. Tom died and came back in a dream and said his friend,“Hey, man, I have great news for you! The good news is that there is baseball in heaven. The bad news,” he continued,” is that you’re pitching Friday.”

Today’s Scripture puts us in a similar reality. Mary and Joseph have a new baby. Matthew tells his readers a story to which they will relate. After listing Jesus’ bona fides with the genealogy in Chapter 1, Matthew uses Scripture to continue to establish Jesus’ credentials. The Book of Isaiah (60:6), when describing Jerusalem’s glorious restoration, tells of nations and kings who will come and “bring gold and frankincense and shall proclaim the praise of the Lord”, the same priceless treasure that the Magi bring. Then, like in every Hallmark story, the other shoe drops; the bad news is that, like Moses and the early Hebrews, Jesus must escape death by fleeing to Egypt.

Sentences on the Subject:

 “One dollar and eighty-seven cents. That was all. And sixty cents of it was in pennies. Pennies saved one and two at a time by bulldozing the grocer and the vegetable man and the butcher until one’s cheeks burned with the silent imputation of parsimony that such close dealing implied. Three times Della counted it. One dollar and eighty-seven cents. And the next day would be Christmas.” O Henry, The Gift of the Magi

Below is some “food for thought”, a few probes that might kick start a conversation. Read over them and pick one (or more, or none) to discuss. Remember to hold space for others to share and share only what you feel comfortable sharing.

Probe 1. O Henry tells a story of love and sacrifice. Jim and Della each make a decision that results in giving useless but cherished gifts. What’s the best (or worst) Christmas gift that you have ever received?

Probe 2. An epiphanyis an “ah-ha” moment. In Matthew, the epiphany occurs when three wise kings, or Magi, see a divine star in the sky, and it leads them to the Christ child. His nature-as a king-is revealed to them, while the rest of the world is unaware. Do you have an epiphany in either your daily or spiritual life that you wish to share?

Probe 3.A popular expression is “Wise Men Still Seek Him”. If a person living in the area was seeking a spiritual connection, what would be the guiding star that leads them to Immanuel UCC? How brightly does that star shine? How would they encounter Jesus when they arrived?

Probe 4. Matthew 2 starts off, “After the birth of Jesus,in the time of Herod”. The time of Herod was a very prosperous one in those lands. Herod was authorized by Mark Anthony to take an army and conquer Jerusalem. For that conquest, he was put in charge. Herod built the infrastructure that supported commerce, a working relationship with the religious leadership, maintained law and order, and was liked in Rome, as he faithfully farmed the land for taxes; in fact the Senate named him King of the Jews (remember, this title could only be rightfully filled by a descendant of David). Herod was also a brutal leader, who assassinated several of his competitors and had to be restrained by Rome in his actions several other times. Although there is no historical record to support the slaughter of the innocents as told in Matthew, it is in keeping with Herod’s character. Rev Ben Colemen in Sojourners wonders, “But what about the others involved? What about the soldiers who would carry out the act? Or the citizens of a society that did not shield the children? Or the leaders who did not ask for compassion and restraint?” How much condemnation do they deserve?

The Takeaway: Be the light of the world, the star that points others toward Christ.

Commission: Hold on to what is good. Love deeply. Honor others. Stay excited about life and your faith. Be joyful. Be patient. If you pray, have faith. Share with people who are in need. Welcome others into your homes. Be loving to those who hurt you. Be present; be in the moment. Be agreeable, even with those with whom you disagree. Be humble. Be a friend of people who aren’t considered important. Do the right thing. If possible, live in peace with everyone. And remember, no matter who you are, or where you are on life’s journey- you are welcome here.