Fields -- Christmas Eve Service

Luke 2:1-20

Isn’t it a wonder

that God went to the fields

instead of the palace?

Isn’t it strange

that God chose a

young woman

and a carpenter,

and a cattle stall?

Isn’t it amazing

that those heavenly hosts

filled the night sky with their songs for

shepherds not sovereigns?

Isn’t it a wonder

that God went to the fields

instead of the palace?

Of all the names we have

for God,

maybe Emmanuel

God-with-us

is most apt,

most fitting,

most right.

At least on this night

this holy night,

when God was born

as one of us.

This is the night

when mystery and matter meet.

This is the night

when a newborn’s cry

is another kind of heavenly song.

Making known

to the world

this world,

our world

that God is here.

We are not alone.

We are not abandoned.

We are not forgotten.

Do not be afraid.

Isn’t it a wonder

that God went to the fields

instead of the palace?

Who else lies

waiting in quiet fields

this night,

this holy night?

What others,

outsiders,

forgotten and lost ones,

lie waiting

in fields

and deserts,

alleys

and shelters

waiting to hear

an angel’s song?

Waiting to thrill

at the sound of good news,

glad tidings,

words of hope and joy and promise

for all?

God still goes to the fields

before the palace.

God still chooses

young women, old men,

carpenters and cleaners,

waitresses and truck drivers,

refugees and restless ones,

and shepherds before sovereigns.

Isn’t it a wonder?

Isn’t it amazing?

Isn’t it good news,

and glad tidings of great joy

that God is our Emmanuel.

God-with-us.

God. With. Us.

Amen.