“AND IT CAME TO PASS”

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27580, 23 December 1950, Page 2

“AND IT CAME TO PASS”

A Christinas Refrain

For the Daily Times by the Rev. Gardner Miller

The second chapter of Luke is like a lovely song with a haunting refrain. Like all songs that are cherished, it has a story at its heart. And the story is the story of the birth of Christ, that event in history which we celebrate at Christmas time. I wish we were not so sentimental about Christmas. That it is the children’s festival above all else is really the wrong way of looking at Christmas. To be happy and jolly and to give and receive presents is no doubt a very excellent thing, but it is far removed from what Christmas signifies. Christmas is the event in- history when God became human and lived a human life. We really celebrate God’s great adventure. And that is surely a solemn matter as well as a wonderful happening for humanity. Do not forget the children, by all means, but in doing so, do mot forget God.

When the story of this great adventure on God’s part came to be told and written, it was inevitable that different accounts would be given. It could not be otherwise. No human mind could take in all that it meant. The account in Matthew’s Gospel is the story as it is seen from a man’s point of view— Joseph’s. That in Luke’s Gospel is from a woman’s point of view—Mary’s. And it loses nothing in the telling by the fact that it was told to and written by a doctor—Luke. As you sing Luke’s song you will become aware that certain words recur as the song tells its wonderful story, and these repeated words both close and begin a new movement.. The words are to be found in verses one, 15, and 46; and the words are: “And it came to pass.” The words frame a refrain that once learned can never be forgotten. The refrain simply repeats the acts of God in His great adventure. An End to Despotism v

The first act is the overthrowing 'of despotism: “A decree went out from Caesar.” That was the order of a dictator. Men, women and children were to be classed, indexed, directed and taxed? It seems very modern, doesn't it! Little did Caesar know that there was One among the number who would tumble him off his throne. Caesar would become a figure of history, Jesus would become history itself. When Caesar and God conflict, only one thing can happen—Caesar must abdicate. The birth of Jesus, that is, God, as a human, struck the death-blow at dictatorship. No dictator ever rules long, as God and history measure time. Every tyrant bites the, dust.

There is a story told that in the early days of the Church, when persecution was the ordinary and the regular thing, there was a Christian lad who vwas sent into the arena to be thrown to the wild beasts and provide sport for the human beasts. As he passed through the gates a Roman soldier standing there whispered, “And where is your Carpenter’s Son now? ” Quick as a flash came the answer, “He is making a coffin for your emperor.” How true! And how true it will always be. The days of dictators and would-be dictators are about, finished for ever, for the child born at Bethlehem nearly two thousand years ago will soon be back as Judge. The last word is His. A New Beginning

The refrain then takes on a joyous note, a note that the angels took up, a note that every follower of Christ loves to linger over. . It is the note that tells of the wonderful entry of God as a child into the human family. You find it in verse fifteen. “And it came to pass . . . the shepherds said, let us go to Bethlehem. . .” What they 1 saw was not an ordinary sight such as they had no doubt seen in their own homes when their children were born. What they saw was the mysterious and glorious fact of the Incarnation. They would not use that word. I think they would not use words at all. They were awed and gladdened at the sight of God having come into the world of humankind. Men were to do desperate things to, Him, but I do not think He ever regretted His adventure. This new beginning was not only the difference between B.C. and A.D., it was the beginning of a revalation that will take all Eternity to fulfill At Bethlehem, God. began to be a man! I would love to linger on this theme, but the song’s refrain demands that I finish its notes. The Third Movement

The third movement, or act, is one that has always captivated the reader of the New Testament. You find it in verse forty-six. “And it came to pass . . . they found Him . . . hearing and asking questions.” There you have the Divine and the Human growing together. There you have an example of how life should be lived. At once to be at home with men and at home with God. Is there anything more satisfying than that? There could not be. j i This third movement is God showing us how to live the complete life. That His life was to include a cross did not deter Him from His adventure. “For the Joy that was set before Him, He endured the Cross.” We began at a cradle, and now we end at a Cross. But God went farther; and so may we.

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