Christmas Eve

Mass in the Morning Lectionary: 200

Through his prophets he promised of old

that he would save us from our enemies,

from the hands of all who hate us.

He promised to show mercy to our fathers

and to remember his holy covenant.

The father of John the Baptist summarizes and closes the Old Testament prophesies in today's gospel. On this last day of Advent, the Church offers us the "Song of Zechariah." We also sing or recite these twelve verses in our Morning Prayer (Lauds) every day of the year, as the dawn from on high breaks upon us, to shine on those who dwell in darkness and the shadow of death. We pray that Jesus, the rising Sun of Justice, will guide our feet into the way of peace. 

This summary of Old Testament faith is rich with expectation and intense longing.

Citizens of a wealthy nation, governed by principles of self-rule and democracy, dominated by a middle class culture which takes for granted the privileges of prosperity including education, upward mobility, leisure and health care, may have a hard time naming their eager longing for salvation. They don't feel much at risk. "God helps those who help themselves!" they intone as they throw themselves into productive labor.

If they expect anything of God it is more of the same: more freedom, more expansion, more assurance of a predictable and endless future of seamless prosperity. "We need no apocalyptic surprise." they might say to a prophetic voice in the wilderness.

When that nation goes into economic decline, they might turn cynical. Without traditions of seeking divine assistance, deliverance or guidance, they will demand only a return to the greatness of the past. From a complete disinterest in the God who Saves they might turn to an angry resentment of the God who Disappoints.

In this song of a new dawn, Zechariah describes the prophet's vocation. He will give knowledge of salvation by the forgiveness of their sins.

In my experience the awareness of personal guilt comes as a staggering revelation; it is the original OMG! Where I might have been aware of some problem, I suddenly realize I am the problem. The Big Book of AA uses the word enormity to describe what yesterday seemed to be a minor nuisance.

OMG, you mean I am the polluter? The racist? The misogynist? The drunk/addict/user? The pervert? The OCD control freak?

The realization may be met with a resolution to change. "I'll never do that again! I'll never... say that word, consume that substance, speak to that person, or buy that product again! Never!"

But the resolution is superficial; it would strike a bargain with the problem rather than experience one's prostrate helplessness before it. Within days or hours the sobering panic has passed and the sinful attitudes click back into place. To that John the Baptist says, “You brood of vipers! Who warned you to flee from the coming wrath?" Jesus described the predicament with his parable of the displaced demon who goes out to find seven other demons worse than himself; they reoccupy the clean and tidied house and the fellow's condition is even worse.

The "mercy God showed to our ancestors" is an obedient Spirit that guides our feet in the way of peace. I should never presume, "I know where this is going." Such "knowledge" needs no faith and is not guided by anything except its own expectations. 

The knowledge of salvation that comes with forgiveness of sin is the touch of God's hand in mine. It is a communion with Mystery and a willingness to be led daily even as we dwell in darkness and the shadow of death. That I sin is no surprise; that I am saved, that is astonishing.

Christmas does not promise prosperity or security; rather it promises blessings for the poor in spirit and freedom in God's presence.