Sermon 2022.12.24
Luke 2:1-20
A conflict was brewing. You cannot have two kings both claiming to have power and authority over the same land and people. Emperor Augustus decreed that everyone in the world would have to return to their hometowns to be registered. This was a power move by Augustus essentially deporting anyone who had ever migrated; forcing them to go back to where they came from.
Ironically by doing so Jesus is born in Bethlehem the city from which it was prophesied a great king would be born. Then Jesus’ birth as a new king was announced to a group of shepherds who were living out in the fields. The decree of the angels calls the shepherds in to worship this baby.
Notice how these two kings are already in conflict and do things totally differently:
1.Emperor Augustus’ decree pushes people away from him and sends them back to where they came from
2. The angels’ decree pulls people in to meet Jesus
Why did the angel announce Jesus’ birth to shepherds? It is highly significant, because a shepherd is a symbol for any human being who is a leader or has power and authority over others. A president, prime minister, CEO, emperor, etcetera are all supposed to be like shepherds who care for their people.
When a baby is born, no matter how lowly or poor, or what the family circumstance is, a real shepherd is to go and check on the wellbeing of the child. To regard this child as worthy of our praise, adoration, and yes our resources and social programs to ensure its well being.
Close your eyes for a moment and think. Where are there babies in the world right now? Babies in the Americas, in Europe, Asia, Africa, and in every corner of the world. If you really focus you can see them, and feel them. Each and everyone of these babies is made in the image of God; and is a sister and brother to Jesus. Each baby deserves and demands clean air to breathe, water to drink, food to eat, adequate shelter, to be free from threat of harm or violence, and to be loved. Each baby and child is a little caesar exacting our praise and adoration, overriding, usurping, and undermining any political leader that stands in its way.
Open your eyes. You are the shepherds living in the fields. I am the lone angel announcing to you the birth of these little caesars. In a moment I will be joined by a host of angels and we will sing praises. When we are done singing; you will be sent out to search, and find the babies, the children, and you are to do everything in your power to ensure their well-being. When we succeed in making them happy and secure; we will be happy and secure. And that’s the point of Christmas.
My wife Sheri and I have five kids. By the time we got to babies three, four, and five things were getting pretty hectic. I remember coming home from the hospital after one of them was born, I don’t remember which. My in-laws were with us helping get settled. There was a moment when literally everyone was calling for help at the same time. I turned to my father in law Jim, threw my hands up in the air and jokingly asked, “Who’s the boss?” And he looked at me, smiled, and said, “The baby is the boss.” And that made everything crystal clear.
Boss Babies. Little Caesars. Come adore on bended knees. Christ the Lord the newborn king. Not some distant memory. But actual living human beings. Amen.
Leave a Reply