There are some pastors who find the Christmas season one of the more frustrating and challenging times of their annual preaching. Over time, for these pastors, this season (and probably Easter as well, though less so than Christmas) has become one of the least desired times of the year . . . since they have to preach on the birth of Jesus . . . again.
This reveals two profound problems. First, the notion that there needs to be something new or creative misses the point of the season and the truth of the incarnation. For many in our churches, it is retelling the familiar story. Some are hearing it for the first time, or the first time with understanding. In this day and age, this is changing so it is not as familiar to many, or what they know is more legendary and mythical than it is historical and theological. Second, it reflects a sort of “been there done that” mentality such that we simply cover the same old ground.
In response, this same old ground is the foundation of our salvation and our worship. One ought never to tire of that. Furthermore, to think that one has plumbed the depths of the incarnation specifically and Christology more broadly is to reveal a profound misunderstanding of the doctrine. This is why I began early on in my pastoral ministry reading a book on the incarnation every Christmas season. (During Easter, I did the same with the death and resurrection of Jesus.) The books consist of both academic and devotional works, addressing head and heart. In this way, my understanding of this wonderfully rich doctrine has deepened and broadened with each year. It has been a wonderful discipline that has increased my devotion to Jesus Christ, my Savior and Lord, and it has meant there is more to share with God’s people with each passing year. Keep reading
Photo: herding grasshoppers.blogspot.com
No comments:
Post a Comment