A sermon preached at Kowloon Union Church on Sunday 27 December First Sunday after Christmas, by Timothy Chan. The scripture readings that day were Psalm 148, Galatians 4:4–7 and Luke 2:22–40.
Good morning brothers and sisters. Merry Christmas! A few days ago, we were celebrating the birth of Jesus. We revisited the prophesy about his birth. Today, in the Gospel reading of Luke, we found these two prophets, Simeon and Anna. Their encounter with Jesus in the temple unfolded the ministry of Jesus. In the most ordinary ritual, we received this important revelation. Before we look closely at this revelation, let us pray:
Light of the world, we pray that your spirit will guide us and rest on us this morning, so that we can see this light for revelation, and be inspired and transformed by it. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
This story we read this morning can only be found in the Gospel of Luke. This narrative is very rich. It introduced to us the righteous man Simeon, and Anna the prophet. The author had spent some time giving us some background information about them, which is quite usual compared to other characters. In this story, the reaction of the Mary and Joseph is also giving us some hints of what kind of parents Jesus had. Unlike the rest of the Gospel reading, which Jesus being the main character of the story, this time he is playing a much passive role, a baby. Like most of the story under the stylus of Luke, we find the Holy Spirit directing this narrative. So, this story is quite crowded, we have a family of 3, 2 prophets and turtledoves, and one Holy Spirit.
Let us begin with Simeon and Anna. They are both devout Jews who are longing for the fulfilment of God’s promises to redeem and bring comfort to Israel. From the scripture, we learned that they are both at their old age, and they witnessed and confirmed the prophecy of the Messiah. Led by the Holy Spirit, they played as a bridge between the Old Testament and the New Testament. Simeon believes in the Old Testament, the Law, and he is also guided by the Holy Spirit. He went into the temple, and he approached Joseph and Mary when they were doing what is customary to Jesus. Then he was certain to speak of what the Holy Spirit had revealed to him in front of Joseph and Mary. The prophet Anna who had been fasting and praying night and day also witnessed this moment, and she started to speak about this child to everyone.
These two prophets served as an example of a balanced spirituality. First, they respected their own tradition and prophecy, but at the same time they were also willing to accept change and surprise. Jesus was born under the Roman Empire. Most Israelites at that time were hoping for a strong political leader to restore the glory of Israel. However, Simeon did not allow this public expectation to reshape and overshadow the voice of the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit revealed to Simeon that this saviour was not what the people wanted, the people would oppose Him, and not only the Saviour is saving the Israelites, but also the gentiles. This version of Gospel might not be what the people wanted, especially to someone who had been waiting all his life to this promised King. But both Anna and Simeon were guided by the Holy Spirit, and were obedient, they were not praying for what their own version of salvation, but for God to fulfil His promise in His way. They allowed the Spirit of revelation to rest upon them, because they were willing to let go of their own expectation. That is why they were chosen to proclaim what Jesus would do in the future, and they did it with confidence and assurance.
It is a challenge to all Christians today to pray for God’s will be done. Many times, we would let our own political judgement and opinion overshadow or dictate our theology. Unconsciously, our theology and interpretation of the Bible would be shaped by our political stance and ideology. It is always easy to think that God is on our side, and it is always dangerous to label God with one of those colours, let it be yellow, red, or blue. When we think God is on our side, somehow, we would think that our sins and transgressions are exempted, or we would overlook some basic principles. In this narrative, Luke is using this passage to tell his audience, Jesus is indeed born of a Jew. Even he is the son of God, he was circumcised and was dedicated to God in an earthly temple, and later was baptized by a humankind. His parents also observed what was written in the Law, to have waited 40 days before going to the temple. God is a God of order, and at the same time a God of freedom. Anna and Simeon stood at the crossroad of the Old and New Testament, and they allowed the Holy Spirit to reveal to them, and to guide them to seek this clarity. Today, it is my prayer that we can find this clarity with the help of the Holy Spirit, to see not we wanted to see, but His revelation to all of us.
In verse 34, Simeon said to Mary: “This child is destined for the falling and the rising of many in Israel, and to be a sign that will be opposed so that the inner thoughts of many will be revealed —and a sword will pierce your own soul too.” Mary did not know it was referring to her having to witness the crucifixion of her son Jesus. She might not understand why the son of God will be a sign that will be opposed? Why a good sign will be rejected by the world? In John 3:19 it explains “the light has come into the world, and people loved the darkness rather than the light because their works were evil.” When the light comes, all our inner thoughts and motives will be revealed, that’s why people opposed the light. We would rather stay in the darkness, and hide our things from others, so that we would not be challenged. However, Jesus was destined to walk on this unpopular path, to reveal our inner thoughts to us. However, He is doing that not to shame us, but to save us. For there is no forgiveness without repentance, and there is no resurrection without crucifixion. Jesus was destined to suffer, so that He could be glorified. That is why our inner thoughts will be revealed, so that we could find this path of redemption.
Today, there are people living in denial, who refused to recognize God. we witnessed people who are in power abuse their authority. In many countries, including China, authoritative leaders tried to extend their rule by changing and breaching the institution. In the States, the president is also trying many ways to extend his term. Recently, Trump used his power to pardon several controversial individuals. In Hong Kong, we see the rule of Law is being undermined. The people in power do not need to follow the rule because they would not be persecuted. When we bear no consequence for our wrongdoings, it will only reinforce and encourage us to repeat doing it and slowly becoming a vicious cycle.
That is why there is a need for opposing voice. This is also the mission of the church to be the opposing voice to sin, injustice, and inequality. In such an uneven power relationship, it is difficult even to speak up. However, we are reminded this morning that salvation comes through confrontation. Jesus, 2000 thousand years ago, was born among us, and he has planted a seek of revolution for justice, equality, and peace. When we looked at the history, we witnessed how God is shaping this world through many people who are willing to confront and make a change. Today, let us also find this courage in baby Jesus, to live out a life which the world may oppose, but is pleasing to God.
This revolution does not start at confronting others, it starts within our hearts. It is easy to blame the government and the people around us for what we have to suffer and endure. In our epistle reading today, from the book of Galatians, chapter 4:5-7 it says, “we might receive adoption as children. And because you are children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, “Abba! Father!” So you are no longer a slave but a child, and if a child then also an heir, through God.” The coming of Christ is giving us this new identity as God’s children. Therefore, we are not only an activist to advocate for justice and peace, but we are also called to help the world to receive this revelation that we are all the children of God. With this relationship, we seek reconciliation and acceptance, instead of vengeance and exclusion.
Today is the last Sunday of 2020, looking back at what happened in 2020 all over the world. We are also like Anna and Simeon, looking forward to consolation and fulfilment of God’s promise. At this point of the year, we are still uncertain when things will become better. However, like Anna and Simeon, they have seen the baby Jesus, and they were confidence that with God everything is possible. Even they were very unlikely to witness what Jesus would do with his ministry with their old age, they have already found comfort in seeing the vision. In this first week of Christmas, it is a time for us to renew our hope and put our trust in Jesus who will surely deliver us and bring salvation to the world. I believe we are all needing this strength to endure this difficult time, some people put their trust on earthly things, like vaccine. However, we are reminded that our hope is built on nothing less, than Jesus’ blood and righteousness, for God’s grace is always sufficient for us.
I want to share with you one last verse of today’s reading. Let us read together verse 33, it says, “the child’s father and mother were amazed at what was being said about him.” When I read this verse, I am a bit surprised. With all they have experienced, and all the prophecy they have heard about Jesus, Joseph and Mary were still amazed or shocked at what was being said about their son. One way of reading it is, even though they have experienced all these signs and wonders, they are still amazed at what God has done in their lives. Another way of reading it is, they have forgotten quickly what God has done in their lives, so every time is like a shock to them. You may let me know what you think about this verse in the comment section.
For me, the reaction of Mary and Joseph reminds me not to be numb to the work and revelation of God. Imagine if Joseph and Mary were like “yeah whatever, I have heard of this all the time, my son is going to be blah blah blah!” How then you think they would parent Jesus? But on the other hand, if both Joseph and Mary believe in this revelation firmly, they would raise Jesus according to what they believe. So friends, this is my prayer that today we are not numb to God’s revelations to all of us and I pray that we would all find this passion for His amazing love again. Don’t give up hope.
Friends, in times of trials, I pray that we would have this clarity of Simeon and Anna that we would not be overwhelmed by what happened around us but allow ourselves to be guided and led by the Holy Spirit. I pray that God will reveal to each one of us our inner thoughts, that we have this courage to confront ourselves and to be empowered to live a life pleasing to God, to speak of his justice, peace, and love. Finally, I wish all of you would not be numb and static in faith but be amazed by God’s grace and love for us every day. May this Christmas renew our faith and reignite our passion for Christ as we farewell 2020, and welcome 2021. May God bless you all and Happy new year my brothers and sisters in KUC. Amen and goodbye.
“Master, now you are dismissing your servant in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation”
# posted by Kowloon Union Church : Sunday, December 27, 2020
A sermon preached at Kowloon Union Church on Sunday 6 December Second Sunday in Advent, by Revd Bud Carroll. The scripture readings that day were Isaiah 40:1-11 and Mark 1:1-8.
Bing
Crosby was one of America’s most popular male singers in the mid-20th Century. His
”I’ll be home for Christmas” is still an annual favorite heard around
the world. “I’ll be home for Christmas, you can plan on
me. Please have snow and mistletoe and presents on the
tree. Christmas Eve will find me, where the love light gleams. I’ll
be home for Christmas – if only in my dreams.”
As I prepare to leave
Hong Kong, countless old friends have written, “Oh, how wonderful you’re
finally going home,” and I say to myself, “No, off and on over the
past 55 years, HK has been my home, heart and happiness.” I’m not
going home, I’m returning to my Land of Birth basically for more affordable and
accessible health care.“
Several
of you are exiled in Hong Kong. Unlike me, you are probably wishing
if/when safe, you COULD return home – not in your dreams, but in
person. In today’s OT lesson, Isaiah writes about the Israelites
returning to Jerusalem after years of Babylonian exile. They were “going
home”, not in their dreams; not for the holidays, but for
good. Never mind none of them had ever been to
Jerusalem. They were born in Babylonia. Just like most of KUC’s
young people who were born here in their parent’s Hong Kong exile!
Isaiah colorfully wrote
about their anticipated return: the mountains would be leveled; the
valleys raised up, pathways across the desert and any and all barriers to
getting home would be removed. But guess what? Their return home was NOT filled with
happiness and joy. There was a longing and yearning to be “at
home with God;” to be closer and more faithful to God; to
experience God’s long-held promise to redeem them and give them New Life.
Centuries
later came John the Baptizer. Called by God, he set out baptizing
hundreds of people. Mark’s description of John suggests he was not
the kind of person many of us would welcome into our homes – much less into our
places of worship. But Mark’s account of what would eventually become Advent;
Christmas, the Cross, Easter and Christ our Risen Lord - begins with
John. Not with Three Wise Men; not with shepherds watching their
flocks by night; no bright, shining star; no manger, no angels. Rather,
with this utterly strange and unique man running around town shouting “Repent,
for the kingdom of heaven is near!” “Prepare ye the way of the Lord.”
On
this Second Sunday of Advent, as we re-visit the coming of Christ into our
lives, let me suggest two ways how we can be HFC. Not in our dreams,
but in every day reality.
Firstly: Affirm God
in Christ as the heart and center of our lives. Centuries ago
some Chinese scholars were upset to learn there was a body of water below
Southern France and Italy and North of Africa – called the Mediterranean
–Middle of the Earth Sea. Impossible they said because we, Zhong Guo
- the Middle Kingdom are the center of the earth. There cannot be
two centers. Correct! Only one, and that center
is the presence of God. Home for Christmas is less about blood
family, nation or geography; but more about our relationship with God in Jesus
Christ.
And
the first step of this journey demands significant change. Before baptizing
people, John first called them to repent. I know this is a very
uncomfortable word, especially for many of us so-called progressive or liberal
Christians. Hey! Get over it!! Repentance
is not an option – it’s at Square One in our faith journey. Simply
put, repentance means, “turning around.” It’s both a spiritual and
highly encouraged U-turn; our willingness to be “at one” with God.
During
Advent we focus on the coming of Christ into our lives. Well,
that’s partly true and partly false. Yes, Scripture talks about the return of
Christ; but it also reminds us that God in Christ is always with
us. Immanuel. When we don’t feel the presence of Christ
in our lives, guess whose moved.
Pray
tell, when do we ever talk about our going to live with Christ in
His life? Leaving behind whatever has kept us from a
closer relationship with God? Repentance and HFC mean leaving behind lots of
baggage. Advent is a time to re-assess our gratitude attitudes and
actions. Repentance and HFC include God’s leveling whatever mountain
experiences keep us from being who/what God wants us to become. It
means letting God mold and transform us into a servant people. “Take my
life, my heart, my hands, my moments, my days and will… and let them be holy
consecrated Lord to Thee… Take myself and I will be ever, only, all for thee.”
Secondly HFC
includes our accepting Christ’s invitation to be agents of positive change. I
fear far too many Christian groups focus more on filling church pews with warm
bodies instead of caring hearts. Christian Evangelism is clearly important
but how can new followers of Christ become light, salt, and yeast to a hurting,
thirsty and hungry world – unless they learn from us? John was fearless. He
spoke against corrupt Roman rulers and deceptive religious leaders. His
fearlessness eventually led to his death; but his life was filled with Christ
and compassion for others.
During
WWII, the German bombings of Strasbourg, France, appeared to have totally
demolished the Catholic cathedral. Later, as people began clearing
away all the rubble they found an unharmed statue of Christ– except both his
hands were missing. When rebuilding of the cathedral
began, a sculptor offered to carve new hands. Church officials met to consider
his friendly gesture but replied something like “No thanks…If Christ has
no hands to minister to the needy or feed the hungry or enrich the
poor—except our hands. He inspires. We perform.”
As we
celebrate this Advent Sunday and receive the gift of Holy Communion, Let us
rejoice in anticipation for Christ’ coming - even as we celebrate his presence
among us. Let us never forget we are also called to be his hands – to reach out
to a world of injustice and abuse; and pain and suffering; to repent; to turn
around and make our way to his loving arms of grace.
HFC? You
bet! Not in our dreams, but right here, right now. Amen.
# posted by Kowloon Union Church : Sunday, December 06, 2020
