The Longest Night

As we prepare to celebrate Christmas this year, I’ve been thinking about the story of Mary, Joseph, and the baby Jesus and trying to take in the profound lessons on transformation that their lives offer. Their journey as new parents, chosen to bring the Light of the World into being, is not just a nice story we recite once a year. It is an invitation to embrace the unexpectedly transformational power of God in our lives and in the life of our congregation as we embark on our journey of being a Resurrecting Church.

So, here’s a question that I’ve been pondering...

How did these new parents - Mary and Joseph - cope with all of the challenges they experienced when Jesus was born?  

To begin with, they were like every new parent, stepping into the unknown with the birth of their first child. No amount of preparation, advice, or planning can fully prepare someone for the life-altering experience of raising a child. You can’t plan for the sleepless nights, the inconsolable baby, or the strain on your relationships whether a partner is in the picture or not. For Mary and Joseph, this was magnified in unimaginable ways. They weren’t just becoming parents; they were chosen by God for a divine purpose. Mary, a young woman with a simple life, was called to bear the "Son of God."

Joseph, a carpenter, had to wrestle with his own doubts and fears about the true father of this child, ultimately choosing faith, trusting in God’s plan.

I think their journey reminds us of the vulnerability and courage it takes to step into transformation. Mary’s response to the angel, “Let it be with me according to your word” (Luke 1:38), and Joseph’s decision to stay by her side, despite the scandal and uncertainty, show us that transformation begins with openness to God’s call.

And being open to God’s call didn’t mean their path was smooth. Imagine the arduous journey to Bethlehem while Mary was heavily pregnant, traveling through dangerous territory, giving birth in a stable with livestock around, far from the support of family. And then, after Jesus’ birth, facing the threat of King Herod, fleeing to Egypt and becoming refugees to protect their child.

These grave difficulties reflect the reality of transformation. It is never easy, or comfortable. Transformation often calls us to navigate unexpected challenges, pushing us to trust God in ways we never imagined. Like Mary and Joseph, we may find ourselves learning as we go, adapting to circumstances that stretch and shape us, pushing us to the edges of what we thought we could live with, or without.

As I think about this story, it strikes me that it takes place during the longest night of the year. (And yes, I know that historically it is not the time of the year when Jesus was actually born, but that’s another blog.) The winter solstice is a time when darkness seems to prevail and has long been a moment for humanity to gather around fires, warding off the cold and the mischievous spirts of the dark. These fires were more than just a source of light and warmth; they symbolized the strength of community and a shared determination to endure through the darkest passages.

And yet, the warmth of those fires parallels the warmth of community. Even in the longest, darkest nights of our lives, we can find strength and hope in the presence of others. Mary and Joseph undoubtedly leaned on one another, finding comfort in their shared journey, as well as the support of those who came to see their child. The shepherds, the magi, and even the angels were part of a community drawn together by the Light.  

What this says to me is that despite their hardships, Mary and Joseph remained open to the transformation God was working in their lives. They didn’t have a blueprint or a clear understanding of what it meant to raise the “Chosen One”, but they trusted that God’s grace would sustain them.  They trusted that the community beyond family would sustain them in unexpected ways.

As I reflect on their story, I am reminded that transformation is an ongoing process. It requires patience, faith, and the willingness to trust God’s guidance, even when the path is uncertain. This is the same invitation extended to us as we take this Resurrecting Church journey. It is our invitation to be bringers of light and bearers of hope, justice, and love in a world longing for transformation.

Like Mary and Joseph, we may not know exactly how our lives will change when we say “yes” to God’s call. But we can trust that the same God who guided them is guiding us. Whether we are stepping into new ministries, embracing challenging conversations, or reimagining what it means to be church, we are being called to the same openness and courage these new parents embodied.

This Christmas, let us celebrate not only the birth of Jesus, but also the birth of new possibilities for us. Let us embrace the transformation God is working in our lives, trusting that, like Mary and Joseph, we are part of a story that brings light into the world. And as we do, may we find Hope, experience Joy and Peace, and feel God’s Love, knowing that an unexpected community of Grace - our own angels, shepherds, and magi - is with us, supporting us every step of the way.

Joyous Solstice and Merry Christmas!

Pastor Robin