SYNOPSIS: We are reminded around this time of year of the way that things used to be. These sentimental values and Christmas traditions are examined in the context of biblical narratives, especially the transformative impact of the birth of Jesus [01:43]. The prologue in John's Gospel [06:58] shows us that Jesus is the true light in the world. Jesus came down from his throne in heaven to become a child of man so that we may become "Children of God" [10:43]. Believers in Jesus are no longer in darkness but live in the light of Christ in anticipation of His return and the promise of eternal life [11:38].

KEY WORDS/THEMES include:

Christmas traditions;

Adam and Eve;

Garden of Eden;

Birth of Jesus;

Advent;

Prologue in Gospel of John;

Light of the world;

Messiah's arrival;

Christmas transformation;

Salvation;

Children of God;

Holy baptism;

Children of God;

Light overcoming darkness;

Cross and redemption;

Second coming of Jesus;

New life in Christ;

Eternal life

In the rich tapestry of biblical narrative, we find profound connections between the Old and New Testaments that illuminate our understanding of God's salvation plan. Today, we explored the parallels between King David's experience with the Ark of the Covenant and Mary's role in the Incarnation. Just as David brought the Ark to Jerusalem, symbolizing God's presence among His people, Mary carried within her the true Ark, Jesus Christ, God incarnate. Both stories involve a journey, a period of three months, and a profound recognition of God's holy presence. The Ark contained the word of God and the manna from heaven, prefiguring Mary, who bore the Word made flesh and the Bread of Life. These narratives are not mere coincidences but are divinely orchestrated to reveal that Mary, like the Ark, was chosen to carry God Himself. This understanding deepens our appreciation of the Incarnation, highlighting the continuity of God's actions from the Old Covenant to the New, and reaffirming the sanctity and significance of Mary's role in God's redemptive work.

Out of the mouth of babes, praise is perfected, echoing the eternal nature of Christmas, which remains unchanged despite the shifting sands of time and human circumstance. The light of the manger, a beacon in our darkest moments, shines forth, offering forgiveness and peace with God to all sinners. Throughout every stage of life, from the innocence of the womb to the trials of old age, Christmas stands as a steadfast reminder of God's unchanging grace and love. It calls us away from the empty distractions and despair that so often cloud our lives, urging us to open our hearts to the healing and renewal found only in Jesus. As the angels, shepherds, and even the youngest children proclaim the glory of this holy season, we are invited to come and remain in the presence of the one who is the same yesterday, today, and forever. Here, in Jesus, we find the light of all things made new, where our sins are forgiven and forgotten, and peace with God is eternally secured.

Most Holy Night, we celebrate the greatest of all miracles--the incarnation of God in human flesh. Tonight, we reflect on three interconnected miracles: the virgin birth fulfilling ancient prophecies, Emmanuel, God with us, born and laid in a manger, and the gift of eternal life through Christ's flesh and blood. This miraculous birth was so profound that angels declared it with jubilant praises, signaling an invasion of divine love into our broken world. The shepherds, tending future sacrificial lambs, were directed to the ultimate Lamb of God, who would sacrifice Himself for the sins of the world. This night, as we gather like the shepherds, we run to witness the miracle of God made flesh, who joins heaven and earth, time and eternity. We partake of His holy communion, embracing the divine nature bestowed upon us, celebrating not just His birth but His continual presence in the Eucharist. This is the true joy of Christmas, the joy of God with us, offering Himself that we might live eternally with Him.

Oratio, meditatio, and tentatio are the divine means by which God shapes us into theologians, molding us through prayer, meditation on His Word, and affliction. While prayer and meditation are more agreeable forms of spiritual engagement, tentatio, or affliction, challenges us deeply, pushing us to experience the full potency of God's Word. This process is akin to cooking ingredients on a burner, where the heat intensifies their flavors, enhancing our appreciation for prayer and Scripture. Martin Luther describes tentatio as a touchstone that reveals the true comfort and power of God's Word, even as it brings us into conflict with the world, our flesh, and the devil. Moreover, the most profound tentatio occurs when it seems God Himself opposes us, as illustrated by the trial of Abraham, who was asked to sacrifice his son Isaac despite God's promise of blessing through him. Abraham's faith, demonstrated by his willingness to obey and trust in God's provision, serves as a model for us. This narrative culminates in the ultimate provision on Mount Moriah, foreshadowing Christ, the Lamb of God, who fulfills God's promise through His sacrifice. Thus, our journey through tentatio leads us back to deeper engagement with prayer and Scripture, teaching us to embrace our afflictions as avenues to divine truth and transformation.

John the Baptist exemplifies true biblical masculinity, standing firm against societal and political pressures, unlike the reeds shaken by the wind or those conforming to comfortable norms. He confronted leaders, calling for repentance and pointing always to Christ, the ultimate model of masculinity. True masculinity, as shown through John and Jesus, involves proclaiming truth and embodying God's commandments, not succumbing to the transient and often misleading ideals of worldly masculinity promoted by contemporary figures who miss the essence of what it means to be a man under God's rule. In Christ, we find the perfect example of strength, courage, mastery, and honor, virtues that are hollow without Him. As men of faith, we are called to emulate this Christ-centered masculinity, transforming and conforming to His image, which transcends the flawed and temporary standards set by the world.

Prayer, meditation, and temptation shape the life of every Christian, who is a theologian in their pursuit of understanding God's ways. Focusing on meditation, it's not about emptying our minds as in Eastern practices, but about filling our hearts, minds, and souls with the Word of God. This can be seen in Psalm 119, which offers various patterns for meditating on Scripture. These include learning God's decrees, guarding oneself with His word, storing His word in our hearts to avoid sin, and remembering His word to stay strong against temptation. Each pattern helps us deepen our relationship with God, equipping us for spiritual battles and ensuring His word is a treasure kept close, continually learned, and faithfully guarded. This ongoing engagement with Scripture is crucial, not just for personal edification but for teaching and sharing within our communities, ensuring that God's word is a living, active force in our lives and in the lives of those around us.

As we immerse ourselves in the festive spirit of Christmas, it's crucial to discern the true essence of this season beyond the dazzling lights and decorations. The true Christmas celebrates the birth of our Savior, which, contrary to the commercialized holiday, might not be joyous news for everyone. Many choose to overshadow the profound message of Christ's birth with more secular symbols and sounds, focusing on material prosperity and success. This observation leads us to question why it often appears that the wicked prosper. Our society seems to reward those who are dishonest, pushing the honest and the just to the sidelines. However, when we enter into God's sanctuary and reflect on His word, we understand the ultimate fate of the wicked. Scriptures like Malachi and Psalms remind us that the day of the Lord will be a day of reckoning for the arrogant and evildoers, reducing them to stubble. This prophetic vision reassures us that divine justice will prevail, despite our current frustrations with apparent injustices. The last day will bring destruction for the wicked but healing and joy for the righteous, symbolized by the calves leaping from their stalls, a vivid image of liberation and joy. As we anticipate this day, we hold onto the hope that the true justice of God will rectify the imbalances of this world, affirming that the prosperity of the wicked is fleeting and illusory.

What makes a theologian is not merely academic achievement but a profound engagement with God through oratio, meditatio, and tentatio--prayer, meditation, and enduring trials. Martin Luther emphasized the importance of focusing on Scripture rather than human writings, advocating for a theology deeply rooted in personal interaction with God's word. Prayer, or oratio, is fundamental, serving as our response to God's initiation of conversation through His revelation in Christ and the Scriptures. It is in prayer that we express our deepest needs and joys, from Hannah's sorrowful plea to Mary's song of jubilation, both reflecting profound theological insight. As we engage in prayer, we participate in a divine dialogue, where even our simplest sighs are received by God. This Advent, let us reflect on the power of prayer, recognizing that through Christ, our prayers find their worthiness before God, and that our spiritual journey is shaped by our continual conversation with Him, conforming us more into the image of Christ.

Wake, awake, for night is flying--the hymn we sang today encapsulates the urgent call for vigilance as we approach the end of the church year, reminding us that each day is a step closer to Christ's return. We are to live in readiness, not lulled into complacency by the illusion of endless time, but animated by the joyous expectation of meeting our Lord. This anticipation should not be marred by fear, despite the unsettling signs of times or the dramatic portrayals in popular media. Instead, we should find comfort in the certainty of His promise, the ongoing presence of Christ in the sacraments, and the ultimate renewal of all creation at His coming. The parable of the ten virgins further sharpens this message, distinguishing the wise who are prepared from the foolish who are not. Our preparedness is shown in a life of repentance and active participation in the faith community, ensuring we are among those who joyfully enter the wedding feast, secure from the darkness outside. As we await this day, our hearts should be lifted in praise, confident in the glorious culmination of God's plan.