Advent 2C, December 8, 2024
New Covenant
“Miracle on 3rd Street” part #1
It isn’t often that I veer from the assigned scripture readings of the day. But this week and next I’m gonna do a short sermon series on the beloved Christmas movie, “Miracle on 34th Street.” I’ve title the series, “Miracle on 3rd Street” and if you’ve never seen the movie, or if you haven’t seen it for years, or, if you love it and can’t wait to see it again, join us this afternoon at 3pm. We’ll be showing the movie here at New Covenant.
Our movie begins on Thanksgiving with the Macy’s parade. Before the parade starts, a man who calls himself Kris Kringle, tries to give the department store Santa tips on how to be more convincing. “Don’t you realize thousands of children are waiting to see you?” he asks an intoxicated department-store Santa. He continues, “You are a disgrace to the tradition of Christmas. I refuse to have you malign me in this fashion!” Imagine, being the hired Santa and finding yourself face-to-face with Santa. Would you be proud or embarrassed of your work?
This scene invites us to reflect on what it means to be imitators of Christ. The apostle writes to the Christians in Ephesus, “Be imitators of God, as beloved children and live in love as Christ loved and gave himself for us. And in his 2nd letter to the Corinthians he states, “We are ambassadors who represent Christ.” Kris Kringle is more than a kind old man in a red suit. He embodies the spirit of Christmas. He shows us that Christmas is about more than just gifts and traditions. He embodies the spirit of generosity, joy and goodness. Even when others doubt, ridicule or try to discredit him, he doesn’t respond with anger or bitterness but with patience and grace. Kris teaches us to believe in what is good, even when it’s hard. He teaches us to treat others with kindness, even if they don’t deserve it. Now, doesn’t that sound Christ-like?
As we prepare to celebrate the birth of Christ this Christmas, let us recommit ourselves to live as Christ lived, to be his hands and feet, just as Kris inspired others to embody the spirit of Christmas. We are called to embody Christ’s love; to be patient with family members, to be generous to those in need and forgiving to those who’ve wronged us. In doing so, we live-out the spirit of Christmas by becoming imitators of God, ambassadors for Christ.
As we look at the manger, let us not just see the baby Jesus but, let us also see the example he set for us; the humility of his birth, the love in his life and the sacrifice in his death. Then, let us ask ourselves, “How can I be more like him today?” How can I be more humble? How can I be more loving? What sacrifices can I make?
Imitating Christ may seem like a daunting, even an impossible task. But, remember, we have the gift of grace and the spirit of Christmas to assist us. Amen.
