Worth the Wait
Luke 2:1-20
copyright © 2011, Robert J. Elder, Pastor
First Presbyterian Church, Vancouver, Washington
Christmas Day, December 25, 2011
I bring you good news of great joy for all people:
to you is born this day ... a Savior...
Church doesn’t get much more joyful than this, does it? Christmas Day! and on a Sunday! Our scripture speaks of joy, as well as our other carols today. How could this service have possibly started with any other carol:
From Nazareth to Bethlehem
the far-off king sent Joe and Mim
traipsing down the country courses
riding mules, no rides on horses
money for king August raising
building roads with no delaying
“Tax all folks! No compromising!”
he decreed, most days, on rising
but people, mostly, made the trek
to get enrolled, and send a check
to pay for Rome’s grandest highways
rocks and concrete, roads and byways
Mary rode where old Joe’s feet tread
all the way to King Dave’s homestead
old Bethlehem, that’s where they went
it’s what they knew the gov’nor meant
they plodded slowly, not to race
except that there, on Mary’s face
old Joe saw squinting, wincing, pain
once, twice, three times, and then again!
he knew the child in Mary’s womb
was ready now to come, and soon!
on his way, precious baby boy
Jesus, the full-fledged child of joy
just in time, they got the spot right
Jesus Christ was cradled that night
all wrapped up and warm for sleep
set in a hay box, near the sheep
from sky above, going bonkers
nearby shepherds saw the honkers
angels, that’s just what they all were
singing, shouting ‘bout God’s favor
“Glory! GLORY!” they were saying
“Peace for which you’re always praying;
Here it is! That’s what we’re telling
can’t just say it without yelling!”
then, as fast as they had started
all the angels soon departed
the shepherds, too, got on their way
respects for child and mom to pay
Mary, Joseph, with the cattle
stood by Jesus ‘mid the prattle
of those shepherds’ story-telling
which they did now, (with no yelling)
all were amazed, each astounded
shepherds’ tales told, stories sounded
but Mary, stood, off to one side
thinking things, things like the long ride
down those rough roads, to Bethlehem
more roads to go, before they end
who knew back then, how Jesus saves
who knew the whats, the whens and ways?
no one, that’s who, but God on high
God knew for sure, this is the guy
Jesus, baby, in a manger
to bring folks home, not as strangers
but as fam’ly, all, God’s dear ones
short and tall ones, big and small ones
young and old ones, scared and bold ones
dark or tan ones, white as sand ones
all, that is the perfect number
God is thinking, when we slumber
dreaming sweet dreams of Christmas day
God loves each one in just this way
which is the point, of Christmas time
a lot of trouble, all to find
it’s no mirage, from things we ate
but miracle, well worth the wait
so tell it near and tell it far,
so wise kings foll’wing shining stars
and folks from all lands in between
come and see what we all have seen
Christ is born say hallelujah!
bringing great gifts here, right to ya’
all we need do is receive them
to be brothers, sisters to him
take them all now, those gifts, abroad
‘til all the earth will hear the laud
and honor to our Christ the King
on whom our deepest hopes take wing.
Amen.
