Quick Summary:

A trip to the curb with the garbage becomes a moment of reflection on the vastness of the universe. A painting by John August Swanson shows the children of the world in a procession of light, drawing from "old roots to make a new thing."

Luke also draws from old roots to tell a new story--a story of God becoming a needy, helpless, vulnerable child.

Tonight, God is not “up there” somewhere; not a great, anonymous force looking at us from a distance, but God with us in the flesh. For as it turns out God wants to be seen, touched, known—not from above, but from below.

This truth brings hope to all of us who are anxious about what 2017 will bring. And it gives us a way forward. It leads us to the claim that the point of entry God chose at Bethlehem is the point of entry that all who love this Christchild must likewise follow. It leads us to see that the antidote for our fears can never be retribution but must always be compassion. For compassion for the little One who lies in the manger helps us make room for one another, and leads us to search for Jesus’ face in the face of every person whom we meet.