Nearby shepherds were living in the fields, guarding their sheep at night. – Luke 2:8
The message hidden in the Christmas story is this: In God’s kingdom, ordinary people are the real heroes.
Shepherds see and hear a heavenly choir. Not the rabbis.
A teenage girl gets visited by an angel. Not the princess in Herod’s palace.
A carpenter sees visions while he sleeps. Not the contractor who lives in a gated community.
Gentile wisemen are guided by a star. Not Jewish scholars in academic robes.
Two elderly people recognize the child as the Messiah. Not young priests attending to Temple sacrifices.
We’re attracted to the rock stars of faith. In the Vatican we have the pomp and prestige of papal processions. In traditional churches we have pastors in robes processing up an aisle. In contemporary churches we have cool looking singers and preachers.
All of these are fine, but they wouldn’t necessarily see angels or recognize baby Jesuses.
Rather, it would be the person cleaning up after the service.
The person coming up with a Sunday School lesson for the 437th time.
The person delivering personal essential items to community centers.
The person collecting backpacks and school supplies.
The person quietly rocking in a nursing home and praying under her breath.
The person cooking a casserole to take to a grieving family.
The person ordering “Hate Has No Place Here” yard signs.
Unfortunately it’s too easy for us people with titles to forget that we’re where we are for the purposes of God, not ourselves. Sometimes spiritual rock stars mistake self-delusions for revelations.
But to those who quietly serve behind the scenes, without any reason other than they’re living out their calling: unto them light shines, angels sing, and the Baby smiles.
Thanks, Greg. I hear frequently how your kindness and friendliness are missed at MUMC.
Thank you, Pastor. Such a meaningful sermon.
You’re welcome! I appreciate your note.
Humility, a human ingredient often left out in our culture.
It’s an ingredient we need A LOT more of!
Good stuff and worth remembering, Pastor Greg. I’d disagree on one point — the “No Hate Here” signs. Actually, there are many things worth hating. I know you can think of plenty of them.
Good point!
And a post script might be… those are also the ones who don’t wish to be recognized or pointed out as the Heroes.. they most often say … I was just doing what needed to be done or I felt it might help, I do not deserve the credit .. any one would have done the same.
I think of those and I lift up a prayer of gratitude today thanking those in our military who paid the ultimate price of being, that all too often, unsung hero protecting out freedoms in serving their country in the most difficult times and often in unpopular wars and in desperate locations.
Thank you for this mini sermon reminding us of these Heroes.. there are many ordinary persons accomplishing the unordinary things — they are the spirt of our living God working among us!! God Bless them each and every one.
Good note about the military. This is why I picked a Christmas passage for Memorial Day!
Thank you for reminding us how small gestures can be worth while.
Amen to small gestures!