Merry Christmas!

Nearly all churches from the magnificant Cathedrals of Notre Dame or Chartres to simple country churches, or many others, have steeples that point upward toward the stars and beyond.

And they are pointing to God, who is defined as "above and beyond!"

This is the Transcendent Deity whose might extends beyond the heavens.

Christmas is not about THAT God.

Christmas is all about God coming close.

So close to suck at the nipples of a country girl named Mary.

So close as to be nuzzled by the ox and the lamb.

So close as to be cradled in Joseph's arms.

This baby is Emmanuel: GOD WITH US.

There is no steeple at Bethleham.

Instead the Christmas Star does not point up and beyond.

Instead it shines down upon the crib.

God is with us.

God is among us.

At Eucharist God is within us!

God is in the midst of our messiness a well.

Yes! Christmas IS Merry!

And so we bless ech other with the salutation:

Merry Christmas!

And so we pray:

Come all ye faithful,

joyful and triumphant

Come Ye oh Come Ye to Bethlehem.

Come and behold him...

for in this child,

God comes close!

Amen