December 24, 2024 ~ Christmas Eve
Worship Series: “Come Home for Christmas”
Rev. Beckie Sweet
Way back in the 1990’s there was a sit-com on television called “Home Improvement.” You might even remember seeing its reruns in the past decade. The series starred Tim Allen as “Tim, the Toolman Taylor.” Co-stars included Patricia Richardson as Tim’s spouse, Jill; Richard Karn as Al Borland, and Earl Hindman as neighbor, Wilson Wilson. On the show, Tim starred in his own TV series, “Tool Time,” the episodes of which were filled with one hilarious calamity after another.
In one episode of Home Improvement, Jill’s mother came for a visit. She was apparently going through a difficult time following the death of Jill’s dad, and was in a stage of sorting out and giving away items from their home. In particular, Jill’s mom wanted each of her children to have items which would remind them of their childhood. In anticipation of what her mom was bringing her, Jill was hoping to receive a particular clock that was in their home as Jill was growing up. You see, Jill’s dad was in the military, which required the family to move from base to base every couple of years. But every time she heard the sound of that clock, she knew she was HOME.
What reminds you of HOME? What connects you with your memories of HOME? It may be the sound of a clock, the feel of a favorite afghan, or the creak of a rocker on a hard wood floor. It may be the smell of bread baking, or the taste of your favorite macaroni and cheese. The feeling of being HOME may be elicited by participating in a certain tradition, going down a road filled with landmarks bearing stories, being in a familiar place. What brings back positive emotions about HOME that you treasure?
And yet, even as I ask that question, I am aware that for some, HOME may not have a favorable memory. Maybe there was food insecurity, arguments and shouting, lack of welcome, or overwhelming tension and anxiety. Then, what kind of HOME are you developing now?
The meaning of HOME will vary from person to person, and even within each family the meaning of home may be as unique as the individuals therein. Try then to identify at least one thing, in your past or present, that you treasure as a sign of HOME.
American author and poet, Robert Frost, who wrote my favorite poem, “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening,” was also known for writing short stories. In one such story a husband and wife were arguing about whether or not to take in a family member who had nowhere else to go. This family member was desperate and dying, lost and lonely. He was feeling hopeless and was homeless. The husband doesn’t want to take the guy in, but the wife thinks they should. In the story, this dilemma leads the couple to reflect on what HOME is. Finally, the husband says, “Home is the place where, when you have to go there, they have to take you in. But I don’t want him in our home.”
But the wife disagrees. She said, “Home is what you don’t have to deserve.” (repeat)
Perhaps those words point to the very reason for the Christmas story. This story ironically begins with interruptions to Mary and Joseph’s home life. Once the betrothal begins, there is an unplanned and untimely pregnancy. Then the rulers issue a decree ordering a census. And, yes, that had to take place in person. There was no way to phone-in one’s information, or go on a website to register. Each male, under the authority of these rulers had to go to their town, city, or village of origin and register. This required an ill-timed and exhaustng trip at the end of Mary’s pregnancy.
It was impossible for Joseph and Mary to make advance reservations at a hotel, hostel, B-n-B, or even with family members who would likely scoff at Mary’s condition. By the time the couple arrives in Bethlehem, there is no vacancy in any inn, no shelter for their weary bodies, no hospitality for the grand moment of birthing. They could not even access a weather forecast to determine if this would be a good week for camping. So, the offer of a stable was the best that they would receive. Young Mary and Joseph had no family or friends with them to provide support.
This is the setting into which Jesus, the Messiah of God, was born. The family was homeless, or as one would be designated now, “unhoused.” But, they were not the only homeless ones around. You may not be aware that there were two kinds of shepherds in that region. Domestic or Peasant shepherds, who would live in their homes and go home to their families when not on duty with the sheep. But the shepherds to which the angels announced the birth of the Savior were Nomadic Shepherds, who, as their name implies, wandered from place to place, from one field to another, from one hillside to another hillside to allow their flocks to graze. The Nomadic Shepherds had no home. Like the Holy Family, they were homeless and far away from familiar surroundings. The Nomadic Shepherds did not need to return to their place of origin to register for the census, because they were not considered to be important enough to be counted. They didn’t count. They didn’t have a home.
But it was to such as these that the Angels announced the birth of a Messiah who would save the people! These are the ones who dropped everything and went with haste to find the child and his parents. Even if the shepherds did not “count” to the rulers of the day, they counted to God! The main characters in the foundational story of the gospels and of our faith, are all homeless. Jesus comes to provide a connection with a loving, creative God ~ a connection which all are counted, a connection that will always feel like HOME.
Jesus came to provide a connection between us and God as well! This is our preparation for our heavenly, eternal home, because we “count” to God!
So, what is the ideal HOME for us? A place of hospitality and acceptance. An environment of forgiveness and grace. A place where we “count.” A place where we are loved unconditionally, and can learn and grow into our full created potential. A place where FAITH motivates decision-making, respectful relationships, and lifting up one other. “ A HOME is what you don’t have to deserve.”
Some of you are here for this Christmas Eve service because this is your church home. Some were brought by family and friends, those you respect enough to want to spend time with them ~ even at church. Some just learned about the service here and wanted to come. (And we won’t discuss those who may have exhibited any kicking or screaming on the way!) Celebrating all of the various reasons that you are here, at St. Paul’s Church on Christmas Eve, let me say to you clearly, “YOU COUNT HERE!” You count to God, which is why God sent Jesus to us. You count to me. And you count as a Child of God.
Sure, the service may not be the same as in years gone by, or in other churches you’ve visited or attended. It is likely as unique as the persons worshiping the newborn Messiah tonight. On this Holy Night, and everywhere that the Christ is worshipped, all should celebrate that Jesus was born to welcome YOU HOME! Welcome Home to a relationship with a Savior who loves you enough to be born into homelessness. Welcome Home to a relationship with One who would give his very life for your salvation. Welcome Home to a community of faith that appreciates you for the sacredness of your creation, life, learning, and being. Welcome Home! Welcome Home!