“Behold, I am bringing you good
news of great joy for all the people: unto you is born this day in
the city of David a savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord.” These
are the words which an angel speaks to the shepherds. Often when
angels appear in scripture they come bearing important news. I love
the word which is used in the RSV and KJV translations (and, sadly,
has been changed in the NRSV) – Behold! It proclaims that what
follows is exciting news worthy of our complete attention. In the
case of the shepherds, that good news is “of great joy for all the
people”. ALL the people. It is a radically inclusive gift that
encompasses all of humanity. Which is one of the reasons why I
appreciate the angel which is hanging in our Fellowship Hall. It was
first created back in about 2006 by my wife, Veronica. It was in
response to her frustration around the fact that most of the angels
which she saw were blonde haired, blue eyed and Caucasian. There was
very little diversity. They did not represent “all the people.”
And so she created this very dark face with very strong features and
dressed in very colorful garb. It serves as a reminder that the good
news which we celebrate is radically inclusive. The message that God
loves us and is always and forever with us is for all the people –
black, white, yellow, brown or red; gay, straight or somewhere in the
middle of the spectrum; male, female or gender-flexible; rich, poor
or just getting by; liberal, conservative or middle of the road;
young, old or somewhere along the path. Humanity is such a rich and
diverse tapestry, woven together with the love and grace of God. Let
us celebrate that diversity.
- Pastor Roger
(keeping my feet firmly planted in
the flow)
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