Tuesday, January 22, 2008

Step 6: More on the Christmas Story in Matthew

As stated earlier, the purpose of the birth narrative in Matthew is not to teach us history but to remind us of truths we really all ready know. Things that we should hold in mind as we read the body of the gospel. The lens through which we'd better be seeing if we're going to have a chance to understand the fullness of the GOOD NEWS imparted.

The condensed story is this: when King Herod was on the throne three astrologers some to court in order to give homage to the newly born heir to the throne. Of course the whole court is traumatized because there is no such person. Because of an obscure passage that looks forward to a future king being born in Bethlehem, the three inquirers are sent there with the understanding that they are to report back. The short (five miles) journey is made and the baby is located in a house (not a manger as in Luke). The three men do as their custom requires and they leave for their home after being warned in a dream not to return to Jerusalem to Herod. When Herod figures out what happened he has all the young boys in Bethlehem killed but Joseph and Mary had already left town and were on their way to Egypt.

What would have the original readers of this story understood? Firstly, as Gentiles (non-Jews) they would feel invited and included by the story because in it the first to seek Jesus were also Gentiles. To recognize and follow Jesus you certainly wouldn't have to be a Jew. This was a universal affair. Secondly, they would recognized the reality that the Word of God in any form is never appreciated and usually is in opposition to those in power. Power and wealth is always threatened by LOVE. Wealth always does what it can to destroy LOVE. If LOVE is going to survive it must be smart and mobile and recognize the peril and preciousness of its position.
There are other themes and lessons from Matthew but these are the greater. I have rarely heard them proclaimed in challenging ways in this season. Yet how many "wise men" have we all seen? Cute little kids in robes and crowns. Photo opportunities. Lost chances to learn and grow. The clergy know this stuff but are too lazy or scared to share the meaty stuff. So we get the fluff year after year.

Step 7: The Christmas Story in Luke

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