By Pastor Kris
Hertsgaard Kincaid
Christ Lutheran Church, Preston
In the animated movie “A Charlie Brown Christmas,” Charlie Brown struggles to feel the joy and hope expected of the season. He asks, “Does anyone really know what Christmas is all about?” Linus answers him by reciting Luke 2:10-11, and when Linus says, “Fear not,” he drops his ever-present security blanket. I believe this beautiful gesture is a metaphor for letting go of false securities and leaning into God’s promises fulfilled through Christ. On January 6 the church moves from Christmas into a new season, Epiphany. “Epiphany,” meaning “revealing,” is all about light. We celebrate Christ as the light of the world.
The Gospel of Matthew tells the story of three magi arriving at Jesus’ home after travelling from the East by the light of a bright star. Christians around the world celebrate Epiphany as a time of special wonder, and like the Magi are called to “follow the star” to move into the real meaning of Christmas. We leave the miracles behind and see God’s love revealed in ordinary things. Water. Doves. Voices. Sky. As we wonder about the meaning of these stories, we may wonder – if God showed up in the past, how does God show up now?
God shows up in unexpected ways – how about in a piano prelude?
On Christmas Eve at Christ Lutheran Church several children played piano pieces prior to worship. The last piece played was “Linus and Lucy,” a musical medley from the Charlie Brown Christmas movie. I was amazed to hear this piece. The message I prepared for this Christmas Eve service was based on Linus sharing, “Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, which is Christ the Lord.” (Luke 2:10-11 NIV). The youth playing the piano had no idea that it was my focus. Yet, here was God, letting us know his presence by sharing a powerful Godwink with me and all of us through this piano piece. The name Immanuel means “God with us,” and in subtle and extraordinary ways, God lets us know God is with us.
During Epiphany we are called to do the work of Christmas – to love and care for others in our community, nation and world. Theologian Howard Thurmann reminds us how to continue to follow the star in his poem, “The Work of Christmas.”
The Work of Christmas
When the song of the angels
is stilled,
When the star in the sky is gone,
When the kings and princes are home,
When the shepherds are back with their flock,
The work of Christmas begins:
To find the lost,
To heal the broken,
To feed the hungry,
To release the prisoner,
To rebuild the nations,
To bring peace among
the people,
To make music in the heart.
Peace to you as you “follow the star.”
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