Second Sunday of Christmas (C), January 2, 2022—Jeremiah 31:7–14; John 1:(1–9) 10–18

Mike Chapman: Christ Child Just Born (1999) 

St. Martin-in-the-Fields, London

 

Jeremiah 31:7–14

 

In-Gathering

 

This year, it won’t take much imagination

To know that Jeremiah’s declaration

That exiles would come home from desolation

Was told with optimistic expectation!

 

For this year’s seen an end to deprivation

Where COVID caused such empty separations;

And though for many there was devastation,

So many have returned for celebrations.

 

Perhaps you know the joy of restoration,

And have been gathered in from isolation;

You know the end can come for lamentation—

Your dancing signifies a new creation!

Scott L. Barton

For thus says the Lord: Sing aloud with gladness for Jacob, and raise shouts for the chief of the nations; proclaim, give praise, and say, “Save, O Lord, your people, the remnant of Israel.” See, I am going to bring them from the land of the north, and gather them from the farthest parts of the earth, among them the blind and the lame, those with child and those in labor, together; a great company, they shall return here. With weeping they shall come, and with consolations I will lead them back, I will let them walk by brooks of water, in a straight path in which they shall not stumble; for I have become a father to Israel, and Ephraim is my firstborn.

Hear the word of the Lord, O nations, and declare it in the coastlands far away; say, “He who scattered Israel will gather him, and will keep him as a shepherd a flock.” For the Lord has ransomed Jacob, and has redeemed him from hands too strong for him. They shall come and sing aloud on the height of Zion, and they shall be radiant over the goodness of the Lord, over the grain, the wine, and the oil, and over the young of the flock and the herd; their life shall become like a watered garden, and they shall never languish again. Then shall the young women rejoice in the dance, and the young men and the old shall be merry. I will turn their mourning into joy, I will comfort them, and give them gladness for sorrow. I will give the priests their fill of fatness, and my people shall be satisfied with my bounty, says the Lord.

+ + +

John 1:(1–9) 10–18

 

Grace Upon Grace

 

This prologue,

this introduction,

this forward to John’s Good News,

turns out to be, simply,

a whole long list of gifts

that one might unwrap,

one per day,

in these days of Christmas.

Pick a verse, any verse.

“. . . Word was God.”

“He was in the beginning . . .”

“All things came . . .”

“. . . the light of all people”

“. . . darkness did not overcome”

“. . . a man sent from God”

“. . . all might believe through him.”

And so on.

John’s just getting started,

warmed up for telling his story,

uncovering the jewels that

you, too, can stick in your back pocket

to pull out some day

when you need a reminder that,

even if you don’t see God today,

grace and truth are still yours

because of this Jesus, this Christ,

this astonishing news for a New Year.

 

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.

 

There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify to the light, so that all might believe through him. He himself was not the light, but he came to testify to the light. The true light, which enlightens everyone, was coming into the world.

 

He was in the world, and the world came into being through him; yet the world did not know him. He came to what was his own, and his own people did not accept him. But to all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God, who were born, not of blood or of the will of the flesh or of the will of man, but of God.

 

And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth. (John testified to him and cried out, “This was he of whom I said, ‘He who comes after me ranks ahead of me because he was before me.’”) From his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace. The law indeed was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. It is God the only Son, who is close to the Father’s heart, who has made him known.

 

First Sunday of Christmas (C), December 26, 2021—1 Samuel 2:18–20, 26; Luke 2:41–52

1 Samuel 2:18–20, 26

N. C. Wyeth: Eli and the Boy Samuel

(1928. Illustration in the March 1929 issue of Good Housekeeping Magazine,

Somerville Manning Gallery, 43”x33” oil, for sale)

 

Passing It On

 

They say that imitation’s

The sincerest form of flattery.

Thus, Luke sincerely must have liked

Old Samuel’s author’s mastery,

And copied nearly word for word

How Jesus, a young shaver,

In wisdom and in stature grew

In God’s and human favor.

 

He must have thought that Samuel,

Such a consummate anointer,

Devoted to old Eli,

To another was a pointer;

Another who would be a king,

But not of any nation,

Who lived so love for humankind

Might be our dedication.

Scott L. Barton

Samuel was ministering before the Lord, a boy wearing a linen ephod. His mother used to make for him a little robe and take it to him each year, when she went up with her husband to offer the yearly sacrifice. Then Eli would bless Elkanah and his wife, and say, “May the Lord repay you with children by this woman for the gift that she made to the Lord”; and then they would return to their home.

 

Now the boy Samuel continued to grow both in stature and in favor with the Lord and with the people.

+  +  +

Luke 2:41–52

Max Liebermann: The 12-Year-Old Jesus in the Temple (1879)

 

Questions About This Odd Text

 

I have many questions about this odd text

Where the soon-to-be teenager’s parents were vexed

By the child who went off and then worried them sick,

And they scratched their heads, saying, “What makes this boy tick?”

 

Oh, why did they travel e’en just for a day,

While, with neighbors, they thought he was still on the way?

And I wonder just where for three days did he stay?

Did he sleep? Did he eat? Did he ever once play?

 

And why such obedience back at the house?

Was he loud, in high spirits, or quiet as a mouse?

Most of all, I ask why in God’s favor he grew?

And then how in God’s name was this something Luke knew?

 

Like Mary, I treasure these things in my heart,

While the text, in another way, Mystery imparts.

 

Scott L. Barton 

 

Now every year his parents went to Jerusalem for the festival of the Passover. And when he was twelve years old, they went up as usual for the festival. When the festival was ended and they started to return, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem, but his parents did not know it.Assuming that he was in the group of travelers, they went a day’s journey. Then they started to look for him among their relatives and friends. When they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem to search for him. After three days they found him in the temple, sitting among the teachers, listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers. When his parents saw him they were astonished; and his mother said to him, “Child, why have you treated us like this? Look, your father and I have been searching for you in great anxiety.” He said to them, “Why were you searching for me? Did you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” But they did not understand what he said to them. Then he went down with them and came to Nazareth, and was obedient to them. His mother treasured all these things in her heart. And Jesus increased in wisdom and in years, and in divine and human favor.

 

Christmas Eve/Nativity of our Lord (A, B, C)—Isaiah 9:2-7; Luke 2:1–20

Isaiah 9:2–7

 

The Zeal We Sing

 

Isaiah could have never known

How words like “wonderful,” and “counselor,”

Would wind up sung by countless choirs

Where Handel’s beauty’s n’er outgrown.

 

And yet, the force of octaves sung

Cannot compare to burning warriors’ boots

And garments rolled in battle’s blood,

To signal war and hate undone.

 

How strange this promise, and how bold!

Imagine, overpowered by some foe,

And sent away in exile, far,

Yet still, your God you can behold!

 

The child Isaiah had in mind

We know as Jesus, born this very night;

We sing to claim his peace is near,

Who bids his life, our lives define.

 

Scott L. Barton

 

 

The people who walked in darkness

          have seen a great light;

     those who lived in a land of deep darkness —

          on them light has shined.

You have multiplied the nation,

          you have increased its joy;

     they rejoice before you

          as with joy at the harvest,

          as people exult when dividing plunder.

For the yoke of their burden,

          and the bar across their shoulders,

          the rod of their oppressor,

          you have broken as on the day of Midian.

For all the boots of the tramping warriors

          and all the garments rolled in blood

          shall be burned as fuel for the fire.

For a child has been born for us,

          a son given to us;

     authority rests upon his shoulders;

          and he is named

     Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

          Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

His authority shall grow continually,

          and there shall be endless peace

     for the throne of David and his kingdom.

          He will establish and uphold it

     with justice and with righteousness

          from this time onward and forevermore.

     The zeal of the LORD of hosts will do this.

 

+  +  +

 

Luke 2:1–20

 

 

Imogene Herdman, "Hey! Unto you a child is born!"  in Barbara Robinson's The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

 

Solstice

 

"It's the big night!"

Is what my father used to say,

And then in June,

It was, "Tomorrow's the big day!"

—Thus, the solstice

Always arrives for me with mirth,

Which may be what

We need to hear about this birth

Announced each year!

The angel spoke with twinkling eyes,

—Thus, cast out fear—

So they would laugh with great surprise;

Despite the dark,

This same news called to us this night

Begs to be told,,

That Love might be our solstice light.

 

Scott L. Barton

 

Peter Busch: No Room at the Inn. Sand sculpture, Belen de arena de Las Canteras, Plaza Saulo Toron, Canary Islands, Spain.

 

When History Repeats Itself

 

It was a terrifying time

Which we, by faith, now think sublime;

But then, a madman on the throne,

Drove everyone away from home,

That everyone be taxed and counted;

But this, in point of fact, amounted

To terrorism by the high,

Who gave no choice but to comply.

 

Think, immigrants; think, refugees;

Think how all those of low degree

In every age are made to do

The bidding of a mighty few.

Think those who fear they'll be deported,

Their work, and fam'ly life now thwarted;

Think those from bombed out cities fleeing,

What kind of news would bring wellbeing?

 

Imagine they see in the flesh,

Perhaps in angels and a crèche,

Or maybe, solidarity

From those who bear Christ's guarantee

That he'll be with us all our days!

Then they, as well, might be amazed—

Like shepherds hearing angel choirs—

What real love from God requires.

 

Thus into angst and grief and fears

The God of every soul appears,

Yes, then, but also here, today,

And bids us live just as we pray.

 

Scott L. Barton

 

The Rev. Richard Manzelmann, who died this year at the age of 92, used this on the "Christmas Sunday" bulletin cover in 1974 at New Hartford, New York Presbyterian Church. I used it on occasion for the same purpose over the years but would love to know its source. It seems like a Rembrandt, but I can't confirm that.

To Make Our Love Braver

 

She did something different,

She treasured and pondered;

Not only amazed, but

She thought, and she wondered

Just what was their meaning—

That this diapered wee boy,

Would be to all people

The sign of a great joy?

 

And why even now does

He cause such a flutter

In hearts all around, while

These carols we utter?

Is this what they meant when

They said that a savior

Would come—a Messiah,

To make our love braver?

 

Scott L. Barton

Rembrandt van Rijn: The Angel Appearing to the Shepherds

They Thought It Was the Feds

 

Perhaps they thought it was the Feds who'd come for them!

Somehow, the N.S.A. had tracked, and would condemn

Those dirty shepherds, since they had not registered,

And since, without green cards, Augustus' wrath incurred!

But soon they found the searchlight not to be the law,

Which, with relief, provoked a different kind of awe;

That is, more powerful than all the "powers that be,"

Was then announced - as now - the holy mystery:

Quite openly, the one who saves comes not by strength

Of arm, but will not fail to go to any length

For love!  Thus wrapped, so even shepherds might embrace

This child, we, too, now hold our breath, to see such grace.

 

Scott L. Barton

(Originally published in The Presbyterian Outlook 12/09/13)

 

In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

 

 

In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!” When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child;and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them. 

Fourth Sunday of Advent (C), December 19, 2021—Luke 1:39–45 and Luke 1:46–55

Luke 1:39–45

Henry Ossawa Tanner: The Visitation 

(also known as Mary Visiting Elizabeth) 

1909-10.   Kalamazoo Institute of Arts 

 

Never Barren

 

She went with haste, she did not tarry!

There was no time to waste! For Mary,

Whose solitude had just been broken,

Had news that could not go unspoken!

 

“Hello!” she cried, on first appearing

To old Eliz’beth, who, on hearing,

Before she spoke, after that greeting,

Perceived her baby, inside, leaping!

 

You never know, with news astounding,

When someone else, also confounding

Convention that no good can happen,

Reminds you love is never barren.

 

Perhaps you’ll ask, “Why has this happened?

“More joy than what I might imagine?”

“For even now, to us is coming

“A child to set the whole world humming!”

 

Scott L. Barton

 

In those days Mary set out and went with haste to a Judean town in the hill country, where she entered the house of Zechariah and greeted Elizabeth. When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the child leaped in her womb. And Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit and exclaimed with a loud cry, “Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the fruit of your womb. And why has this happened to me, that the mother of my Lord comes to me? For as soon as I heard the sound of your greeting, the child in my womb leaped for joy. And blessed is she who believed that there would be a fulfillment of what was spoken to her by the Lord.”

 

+ + +

Luke 1:46-55

 

James Tissot: The Magnificat (Le magnificat), 

1886-1894

Brooklyn Museum

 

 

 

To the Readers of the Christmas Story: 

“No More "Ho-hum, the reading of Scripture"

 

It isn't wordy explanations that I seek,

It isn't toned-down phrases that are mild and meek;

Don't stand up front in church and then apologize,

As if you need to cut a story down to size;

This news that comes today is bigger than us both,

Nor should the fact I've heard it often, make you loathe

To call out flabbergasting news with such surprise

The people catch their breaths and find their spirits rise!

 

Also, it could be Christmas is the only time

That you can get away with old King James, sublime

In phrases like, "hath holpen," and "doth magnify,"

As Mary to her cousin—and to us—still cries!

But mostly, don't throw out the mystery and awe

For people who today, to what you say, now draw:

Give me a preacher or a reader who proclaims

This gospel text such that I know your heart's aflame!

 

Scott L. Barton

(Partly inspired by the narration of the Christmas story from Isaiah, Matthew and Luke by the tenor narrator, Duane Moody, at a Holiday Pops performance in Boston in 2015. It's a basically secular event, but he read it so well, that singing with the chorus behind the orchestra, there were tears in my eyes. He actually sounded as if he was surprised by the news! Believed it himself! And couldn't help but want others to believe it, too.)

 

And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, 

and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 

for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. 

Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; 

for the Mighty One has done great things for me, 

and holy is his name. 

His mercy is for those who fear him 

from generation to generation. 

He has shown strength with his arm; 

he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts. 

He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, 

and lifted up the lowly; he has filled the hungry with good things, 

and sent the rich away empty. 

He has helped his servant Israel, 

in remembrance of his mercy, 

according to the promise he made to our ancestors, 

to Abraham and to his descendants forever.”

 

(NRSV)

 

And Mary said, My soul doth magnify the Lord,

And my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour.

For he hath regarded the low estate of his handmaiden: 

for, behold, from henceforth all generations shall call me blessed.

For he that is mighty hath done to me great things; and holy is his name.

And his mercy is on them that fear him from generation to generation.

He hath shewed strength with his arm; 

he hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts.

He hath put down the mighty from their seats, and exalted them of low degree.

He hath filled the hungry with good things; and the rich he hath sent empty away.

He hath holpen his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy;

As he spake to our fathers, to Abraham, and to his seed for ever.

 

(KJV)

Third Sunday of Advent (C), December 12, 2021—Philippians 4:4–7 and Luke 3:7–18

 

Would you like to have all the poems for Year C in book form, something tangible to hold in your hand? It has all 150 poems for the year, plus 7 hymn texts, with indices of scriptural references and titles. It's a beautiful book which you can buy now at Wipf and Stock, Amazon, or other distributors—but the cheapest from me, at only $11 plus media postage of $3.19. I'll sign, and inscribe each copy as you like. Check or Venmo. Write me at SCOTT.L.BARTON[at sign]gmail[dot]com to tell me how many you'd like and where to mail. Makes a great gift! And many thanks for your interest in lectionarypoems!   —Scott

 

Philippians 4:4–7

 

 

Benjamin West: Two Angels Singing (1783)

Berger Collection, Denver

 

The Lord is Near

 

Do you believe the Lord is near?

Or is your talk just of his birth?

Is Advent just pre-Christmas time

Rememb’ring he was born on earth?

Are you just happily recalling

His coming to a cradle, bawling?

 

Or—can you really sing with hope,

Rejoicing that the day soon comes

When kindness rules across the land,

And every voice of hate is dumb?

Is Advent less of decoration

And more the future of creation?

 

Oh, let us not just solemnly

Prepare the baby’s birth today,

But gladly sing that, since he came,

We’re not just talking child’s play,

But at the wrong can thumb our noses,

For Love all tyranny deposes!

 

Scott L. Barton

 

Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

 

+ + +

 

Luke 3:7–18

 

Leonardo da Vinci: St. John the Baptist

ca. 1513-1516, The Louvre, Paris

probably Leonardo's last painting

 

Good News, Despite Initial Appearances

 

He's not very Christmassy, this John the B.,

In calling them snakes, who from judgment would flee;

Who worry that God will not be on their side,

And therefore, to save themselves, others deride;

But John simply tells them a down-to-earth creed:

Be honest, not violent, and help those in need!

That's it! But still troubled all won’t be made right?

Then leave it to God! Not your goodness and might

Will enkindle the reign that you think should come now,

But the One by whose powerful love shows us how.

 

Scott L. Barton

 

John said to the crowds that came out to be baptized by him, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the wrath to come? Bear fruits worthy of repentance. Do not begin to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our ancestor’; for I tell you, God is able from these stones to raise up children to Abraham. Even now the ax is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire.” And the crowds asked him, “What then should we do?” In reply he said to them, “Whoever has two coats must share with anyone who has none; and whoever has food must do likewise.” Even tax collectors came to be baptized, and they asked him, “Teacher, what should we do?” He said to them, “Collect no more than the amount prescribed for you.” Soldiers also asked him, “And we, what should we do?” He said to them, “Do not extort money from anyone by threats or false accusation, and be satisfied with your wages.”

 

As the people were filled with expectation, and all were questioning in their hearts concerning John, whether he might be the Messiah, John answered all of them by saying, “I baptize you with water; but one who is more powerful than I is coming; I am not worthy to untie the thong of his sandals. He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire. His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his granary; but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.” So, with many other exhortations, he proclaimed the good news to the people.