Photo credit: Marcelo Schneider/WCC
As we move through the post-Christmas week, a time marked by the church calendar’s rich festivities, it’s worth reflecting on the significance of these observances. Each day carries historical and spiritual weight: from the remembrance of St. Stephen, the first Christian martyr, to the feast honoring Thomas Becket, the martyred Archbishop of Canterbury. These moments are stitched together, illustrating a vibrant yet solemn tapestry of faith, martyrdom, and the celebration of the divine.
But what do these ancient traditions have to say to us today, in an era of digital connectivity and rapid transport?
A Busy Week of Reflection
This week, the church calendar takes us on a journey through a series of commemorations, each reminding us of the price paid for faith and the hope found in Jesus Christ. December 25th, of course, celebrates the birth of Jesus. The days that follow unfold with commemorations of figures who exemplified profound faith under trial:
• St. Stephen (December 26th): Honored as the first Christian martyr, his story is one of unwavering conviction, stoned to death for his belief that Jesus is Lord.
• St. John the Evangelist (December 27th): A tribute to the gospel writer and one of Jesus’ closest followers, whose theological insights continue to inspire.
• Holy Innocents (December 28th): Remembering the young boys tragically killed under King Herod’s order, a somber acknowledgment of innocence lost in the wake of political power.
• Thomas Becket (December 29th): Archbishop of Canterbury, who faced violent death following King Henry II’s infamous exclamation, “Who will rid me of this troublesome priest?” A historical moment reflecting the perennial tension between church and state.
The Humanity and Divinity of Jesus
On the first Sunday after Christmas, the focus shifts to a young Jesus in the temple, aged twelve, visiting Jerusalem with His parents. The story resonates with the realities of parenthood: the anxiety of Mary and Joseph when Jesus stays behind and their surprise at his self-assured explanation, “Didn’t you know I had to be in my Father’s house?” This incident highlights the complexity of Jesus’ nature: fully human, yet fully divine. It portrays a relatable moment of youthful independence, as well as the profound realization of His spiritual mission.
The preacher in this sermon brings a vivid picture of how life unfolded for Jesus’ family. Every year, they journeyed 104 kilometers from Nazareth to Jerusalem—a trip that would have taken five days, made on foot or with the aid of donkeys. This rhythm of pilgrimage underscored the religious and communal life of the time, emphasizing the value of family and shared faith.
A Community Raising a Child
A key takeaway from this gospel story is the understanding that raising a child is a community effort. In African cultures, there’s a saying, “It takes a village to raise a child,” echoing the idea that children are nurtured within the broader fabric of family and community. The speaker suggests that Jesus’ upbringing in this communal context may have shaped his values, rooted in simplicity and a deep connection to the people around him.
As we look back at stories from simpler times—like the speaker’s own family history of traveling in donkey carts to take children to school in Namibia—we’re invited to ponder the differences between then and now. How have our priorities shifted in a world of convenience and speed? What lessons of patience, rootedness, and simplicity have we lost or need to reclaim?
Modern Implications: Lessons for Today
As the new year approaches, the sermon challenges us to reflect on our values. The world we inhabit today is vastly different, full of distractions and fast-paced living. Yet, the simplicity of Jesus’ upbringing offers a counter-narrative. His formation in humble circumstances laid the groundwork for a ministry defined by walking alongside people, engaging with the marginalized, and living authentically.
Resolutions Rooted in Faith
If you’re considering new year’s resolutions, perhaps take inspiration from this ancient wisdom. How can you bring more simplicity and groundedness into your life? What rhythms of faith and community can anchor you in a deeper purpose?
The preacher’s prayer at the close of the sermon is a call to embrace a year rooted in God. It’s an invitation to align ourselves with a lifestyle where spiritual stability and simplicity become guiding principles, ensuring that our lives reflect the values that shaped Jesus himself.
In a world of shifting priorities, this message from the past challenges us to find strength in community, humility in our daily walk, and hope in the faith that has sustained generations. As we step into the new year, may we embrace a life that mirrors the simplicity and rootedness of Christ’s own journey.
