The story of Jesus and particularly the Nativity has moved all sorts and conditions of people throughout the centuries.

From shepherds, to fishermen and ordinary folks in every age, to the beacons of theology, the Church and the arts, the moving narrative of Jesus’ birth has been a source of inspiration, reflection and wonder for more than two millenia now.

Here’s one of my favorite ‘contemporary’ and popular summaries of the story of Jesus, from Annunciation to Resurrection.

Blessed Christmas all!

The folks at Ignitermedia.com deserve credit for this offering showing a digital take on the Christmas story.

In comments made yesterday regarding the wisdom or propriety of voting on the START nuclear arms treaty with Russia, Sen. Jim Demint (R, SC) said to try and get this and the other of the items on Sen. Harry Reid’s (D, NV) to votes before Christmas was, “sacrilegious”. Sen. John Kyl (R, AZ) seemed to echo Sen. Demint’s sentiments in saying that to force votes close to Christmas would be hard to accomplish “without disrespecting one of the two holiest holidays for Christians.” (See the article on Politico here)

Huh?

Dear Senators,

Do you mean to vote on START, aimed (no pun intended) at furthering the cause of peace, would be an affront to those who follow the Prince of Peace?  Do you think that you’re going to generate any sympathy from Christians around the world who work for peace and equality, not to mention the futures of their children, by suggesting that to make policy on issues of peace and justice somehow dishonor the Spirit of Christ and the message of Jesus?

Shame on you both!

Take a day or two and let this at least come to a vote. The prophet Isaiah, in speaking in the name of God, announces that God’s hope and vision is that the nations should, “beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore.” (Isaiah 2:4).

I cannot think for a minute how taking a stand for peace in the Christmas season, much less on Christmas Day could do anything but honor the innocent victim of institutionalized violence and reveal the truth that power comes from making ourselves vulnerable to God’s leadings, pleadings and longings.

Sermon Audio from January 3, 2010-The Rev’d Warren Hicks

Jeremiah 31:7-14
Ephesians 1:3-6,15-19a
Matthew 2:1-12
Psalm 84 or 84:1-8