“If Christmas is Not Now”

We’re celebrating Christmas in July in our church this weekend at all 3 services (Sat., Sun. & Mon.).

We do this up big: Christmas Carols both old and new, Christmas liturgy, and my sermon was Christmas is Not a Spectator Sport.

Several people have already asked for copies of the poem I read at the start of my sermon, and I’m happy to share: from her book Kneeling in Bethlehem, here is Ann Weems’ poem —

If there is no cross in the manger,

there is no Christmas.

If the Babe doesn’t become the Adult,

there is no Bethlehem star.

If there is no commitment in us,

there are no Wise Men searching.

If we offer no cup of cold water,

there is no gold, no frankincense, no myrrh.

If there is no praising God’s name,

there are no angels singing.

If there is no spirit of alleluia,

there are no shepherds watching.

If there is no standing up, no speaking out, no risk,

there is no Herod, no flight into Egypt.

If there is no room in our inn,

then “Merry Christmas” mocks the Christ Child,

and the Holy Family is just a holiday card,

and God will loathe our feasts and festivals.

If there is no forgiveness in us,

there is no cause for celebration.

If Christmas is not now,

if Christ is not born into the everyday present,

then what is all the noise about?