This time of year in churches all over, little children dress up in white robes, put on wings and halos, and in general, look cute! Children dressed as angels are a staple of Christmas plays everywhere. Congregations voice their “Ahhhhs” and parents and family members hope that their “angels” behave themselves. This is as it should be – angels do play a part in the Christmas story. Christmas pageants are stylized portrayals of the story of Jesus' birth, and children dressed as angels fit right in. But we should, … [Read more...] about Supporting Cast to the Christmas Story: Angels
Supporting Cast to the Christmas Story
Supporting Cast to the Christmas Story: Zechariah
In our first installment, we took a look at the shepherds. Last time we considered the Magi. Now it is time to learn from the story of Zechariah. Zechariah has been in the shadow of his famous son – John the Baptist. John certainly is an important character. But Zechariah was a man who had waited a long time, and so we can benefit from his story as we wait. First note that Zechariah was “getting on in years.” And he and his wife Elizabeth were childless. In our culture, childlessness has a definite sting. Many … [Read more...] about Supporting Cast to the Christmas Story: Zechariah
Supporting Cast to the Christmas Story: The Magi
Last time we looked at the shepherds, wondering what they could teach us. Now we are headed to the other end of the cultural spectrum to the Magi. A few picky details to clear up: they were probably not kings. Most likely they are Persian astrologers. We don't know how many of them there were, but three gifts are mentioned - gold, frankincense (incense), and myrrh (perfume). Talking about the Magi pushes the boundaries for thinking about Advent, because the Magi don't enter into the story until almost two years after … [Read more...] about Supporting Cast to the Christmas Story: The Magi
Supporting Cast to the Christmas Story: Shepherds
“And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field keeping watch over their flock by night.” (Luke 2:8 KJV) The season of Advent is once again upon us. Advent starts four Sundays before Christmas and is a time to prepare for Christmas. This year I want to ponder some of the “supporting cast” of the Christmas story. Specifically, I want to look at the ones who are waiting; in the case of the first Christmas, waiting for the coming of the Messiah. First up will be the shepherds. There has been some … [Read more...] about Supporting Cast to the Christmas Story: Shepherds