FEATURE — For the “From Figures of Faith” series, St. George News reached out to the Interfaith Council of St. George and asked if they had a message about the holiday season they would like to share with our readers.
The following was submitted by by Rev. Katie Langston, pastor of mission and outreach, New Promise Lutheran Church.
In the gospel of John, there’s this line, reflecting on the mystery that in Jesus, God was born into human flesh: He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him.
You would think the creator of the universe wouldn’t be that hard to recognize. And yet, we seem to struggle to see him.
Especially during this time of hustle and bustle, presents and parties, is it possible we’re looking for God in all the wrong places?
God is in prosperity, we say. When we’re doing well financially, we say we’re blessed. In our checking accounts, in our 401Ks, in the abundance of gifts under the tree, that’s where God is.
But what if Jesus’ birth in a barn reminds us that God is seen more clearly in poverty?
In the faces of the poor.
In the hands of those who cry out for help while we pass them on the street.
In the anxiety of the chronically underemployed.
And when we avoid these places, we avoid seeing God’s face.
He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him.
God is in our health, we say. In bodies that are strong and function just as they’re supposed to. Sickness is a sign of weakness — of disease, of lack of faith.
But what if Jesus’ birth as a frail and fragile human reminds us that God is seen more clearly in sickness?
In the pediatric cancer centers, where children struggle to get well.
In the uncertainty of a new diagnosis.
In the weariness of chronic pain.
When we tell ourselves God can only be found in health, we miss God’s presence precisely where we need it most.
He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him.
God is in happiness, we say. In the joy of a family game. In the contentment of a walk through the woods.
But what if Jesus’ birth into suffering reminds us that God is seen more clearly in sorrow?
In the grief of a child lost too soon.
In the dark, descending haze of depression.
In the heartbreak of a failed relationship.
When we convince ourselves that God can only be found when we’re feeling good, we miss how close God comes in pain.
He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him.
God is in our certainty, we say. In our declarations that “this too shall pass.” That “everything happens for a reason. That “God has a plan.”
But what if Jesus’ birth into the mess and muddle of this world reminds us that God is seen more clearly in uncertainty?
When we don’t know if or how we’ll be able to make it another day.
When it feels as if we’re surrounded by darkness.
When we doubt that God even exists at all.
For the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him.
But now you, my friends, perhaps you will be able to recognize him where you didn’t see him before.
Yes, God is in our abundance and our well-being and our joy and our goodness and our faith too, of course.
But Jesus was born because we needed him here, in the difficult, scary, sorrowful, painful, shameful, uncertain places. If you are looking for God, that’s where you will find him.
May we be found there, too—at Christmastime and always.
St. George News will continue to add new messages to the “From Figures of Faith” series over the weekend leading up to Christmas Day. For all faith messages, click here.
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