Christmas Reading 2012

Wait... I have this blog too?! Whoa...

So, I haven't written here for the last couple of years because I've been working on my classic lit blogs, but I am aware that I have it. Usually, though, the writing on those blogs keeps me too busy to write here.

I do write, however, because there are a number of people who want to read what I'm posting here, so I leave it for their perusal.

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Every year for Christmas, my family starts by a reading of the Christmas story. Over the past several years, we've gotten a bit less "traditional" - by which I mean that we have expanded our Scripture readings beyond the second chapters of Luke and Matthew. We've done John 1, Isaiah 60, etc.

This year, my father suggested I find a reading for Christmas - something that included the same great story, but was more devotional and provided some kind of perspective. I peeked around the Internet and read some decent ones... but none that really resonated with me. So, I wrote my own. And here it is...

Seeking the Christ of Christmas in His Gospels
by Stephen E. Foxworthy

 
All Scripture readings are taken from the New Revised Standard Version.

Nowhere do the gospels disagree more than on the subject of Christ’s birth. While the stories of His ministry, death, and resurrection – minor discrepancies aside – remain largely the same, the subject of His birth differs from gospel writer to gospel writer. What differences exist and what do those differences tell us about the Christ of Christmas?

The Gospel of Mark was the first of the four to be written. It is simple, concise, and the blueprint for what a gospel should be. Both Matthew and Luke use his model to directly influence their own. However, nowhere in Mark’s gospel is any account of Christ’s birth or genealogy overtly mentioned or alluded to. For Mark, how Christ came into the world is seemingly not as important as the fact that He did come into the world. In Mark’s account, the ministry of Christ is the key.

Matthew’s account of Christ’s birth, however, was the first canonical version recorded. Matthew tells of stars and traveling wise men and vengeful monarchs, creating a tale of intrigue and suspense. Wise rulers from a distant land somewhere in the east, upon seeing a prophesied star, embark to Bethlehem in order to witness the coming of a “King of the Jews” in order “to pay him homage” (Matt. 2:2). Upon finding Christ’s birthplace, they present the child with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh, gifts fit for any reigning monarch.

But by asking for a “king,” these distant princes awaken the paranoid fears of Palestine’s reigning “client king,” Herod the Great, who by the end of his life was ever fearful of someone usurping his throne. After his plot to find the child through the wise men proved fruitless, he decreed that all infants under two be killed to prevent any from potentially growing up to overthrow him. But God was with His Son, delivering Jesus and His parents to Egypt, where they remained until the threat from Herod the Great was finally over.

Matthew uses nobility and royalty in his account of Christ’s birth that is conspicuously lacking in all others. For Matthew, the birth of Christ is the birth of the King of all kings. Not only is His birth recognized by foreign rulers, but by the reigning monarch of Palestine as well, himself a Gentile. A quick look at Matthew’s genealogy in chapter 1 cements this idea of Christ as king by tracing Jesus’ lineage through all the kings of Judah from David all the way down to Jehoiakim. In fact, by tracing His genealogy through David, Matthew alludes to an Old Testament prophecy that his Jewish audience would be sure to understand: “…I will raise up your offspring after you… and will establish his kingdom. He shall build a house for my name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. I will be a father to him, and he shall be a son to me” (2 Sam. 7:12-14).

Luke’s gospel, on the other hand, takes a very different tack and, in doing so, becomes the definitive version of the Christmas story. In it, Jesus’s parents are in Bethlehem for a census of the Roman world instituted by Caesar Augustus who, as the adopted son of Julius Caesar, considered himself the son of a god. Though Jesus’ mother, Mary, was “expecting a child” (Luke 2:5), no room could be found for them in any inn in town, so they were relegated to a nearby stable so that she could give birth away from the elements. When He at last entered the world, Jesus was wrapped in “bands of cloth and laid… in a manger” (Luke 2:7).

At that moment, Luke cuts to some common shepherds attending their flocks at night. These shepherds were simple men, likely watching the flocks of wealthier men to ensure that no predators would lay hand, paw, or fang on them. They were amazed, however, when an angel appears suddenly in a burst of brilliant light above their heads, proclaiming the birth of “a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord” (Luke 2:11). Other angels quickly join them and sing together, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!” (Luke 2:14).

After the angelic visitors vanished just as quickly as they had appeared, the shepherds rush into Bethlehem, abandoning their flocks in order to see if what the angels had told them was correct… and behold! Once they arrived, they witnessed the child lying in the manger, wrapped in cloth, just as the angel had told them. After seeing the child, they rushed out again, in order to proclaim His birth to anyone and everyone who would hear them, becoming – in essence – among the first proclaimers of the Gospel.

Gone are the royal trappings of Matthew’s gospel. Gone are the vengeful kings, the reverent princes, and the prophetic celestial orbs. Luke eschews these things in order to present a simpler, more humble origin for the Christ. Nowhere in his Christmas story does Matthew mention shepherds or mangers or angels… these are not a part of what he is trying to do. In making a move toward simplicity, however, Luke shows us the universality of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He did not come simply for the regal or the high-born – He did not even come only for the Jews! – but for the lowly, the simple, the common, and the ordinary. While the angelic messengers are certain to tell us that Christ’s birth is nothing short of divine, their audience lets us know that the message of Christ is for all… and even goes so far as to give us a clue as to how we ought to respond to such a message!

And then, there’s John. Of all the gospels, John’s is the most different. Unlike Matthew and Luke before him, he abandons the blueprint of Mark’s gospel for what is widely regarded as a more theological text, filled with symbolism and mystery. Like Mark’s gospel, however, John seemingly avoids the story of Christ’s birth, instead filling his first chapter with language of origins and Words and light and darkness. And yet, taking a closer look, we see that this chapter is, in so many ways, the story of Christmas after all.

Rather than beginning on a spring night in Bethlehem, John starts at the beginning of time itself, starting as the Book of Genesis does: “In the beginning…” Instead of introducing foreign magi, spiteful rulers, and lowly shepherds, John introduces us the “the Word” who “was with God, and… was God” (Jn. 1:1), claiming that this Word was “life, and the life was the light of all people. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness did not overcome it” (Jn. 1:4-5).

John speaks of Christ’s incarnation, that God Himself took on flesh in order to dwell among mankind. Unlike Matthew and Luke before him, John is not merely content to think of Christ in human terms – even terms so great as those of a king. Instead, John insists on highlighting Christ’s divinity, His unity with God the Father. “Do you not believe,” He asks His disciples before His death, “that I am in the Father and the Father is in me? The words that I say to you I do not speak on my own; but the Father who dwells in me does his works. Believe me that I am in the Father and the Father is in me” (Jn. 14:10-11).

As such, John 1 is the story of Christmas – the story of God taking on mortal flesh in order to redeem mankind. To quote the apostle Paul, “Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And, being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death – even death on a cross” (Phil. 2:5-8).

So… what do the gospel writers teach us about the Christ of Christmas? How do we justify the differences between their various stories? In Matthew, we see a Christ born regal, recognized as kings by some of the most prominent rulers of His day, either in celebration or aggression. In Luke, we see a simpler origin, a boy born into poverty, attended by shepherds in a stable, who would grow to be the Savior of mankind. In John, we see God Himself, reaching down to bless mankind with His presence, emptying Himself in order to know our pain and to be our redemption. And, finally, we come to Mark. In Mark, we realize that the story of Christmas is not an end, but a beginning. Any talk of Christmas must take into account why this Christ came – He came to suffer, to die, and ultimately to redeem mankind. This is the Christ of Christmas. May we be like the wise men, always seeking Him. May we be like the shepherds, constantly proclaiming the Good News of His arrival. May we be like Christ, who Himself showed us what life truly means.

I am...

My good friend Dan and I met in college. He roomed with me for a semester, was on the campus improv team (Spoons 4 Forks) with me, and ended up marrying my good friend Mary Kay before heading back home to Texas. Currently, he works at Six Flags drawing caricatures for various passersby, which he chronicles on his blog. You should check it out. Awhile back, I asked for a caricature of Paul Giamatti he did that I really enjoyed as a Christmas gift and he graciously offered to just do one of me. Above is the result, which I am totally thrilled with!

Dan really managed to really capture the essence of who I am in a number of ways. Just about everything in this picture represents some aspect of my personality. I know that was something that was a bit difficult for him, but I really think he did a fantastic job! Let me walk you through the different 'in-jokes'...

• The toga and column (table): As a philosophy major in college, I love thinking about deeper issues and the like. I particularly like the works of Plato and Nietzsche. The toga and Grecian column acting as a table for the chess game are both homages to my love for philosophy (particularly the thought of the aforementioned Plato).
• Batman: I've been a comic book fan since high school. I read them when I was younger, but didn't become a true 'fanboy' 'til high school. Batman has always stood out to me as one of the best-written characters in the medium and decidedly one of my favorites. I love that I'm besting the Dark Knight Detective in a game of chess!
• Chess: I used to be on the chess team in elementary and high school. I was never very good, but I used to love the mental stimulation of the exercise. I probably still would if I sat down to play again, but I'm afraid I'd be too rusty. Nowhere near the caliber I'd need to be to beat the Bat! :)
• Cutlery: Ah, the spoon and the fork. Emblems of the greatest improv comedy troupe in Olivet Nazarene University history - Spoons 4 Forks. As mentioned above, Dan and I were both members (as was Dan's brother Matt... and several other good friends as well) and we had a lot of fun with that! (I also like to think the utensils double to cover my love for cuisine, food, and cooking... but it's probably just S4F!)
• Walrus: My Internet handle used to be "Chewy Walrus," so walruses used to be an obsession of mine. (I had a collection of stuffed walruses in high school and had my senior picture taken with it.) This is an obvious homage to that.
• The bush: ...i have no idea...

This is one of the first Christmas gifts I've received so far and, to this point, it's one of my favorites! Thanks, Dan!

Friday's Top Five - Christmas Movies

Once again - "that time of year." And, on the last Friday before the 'big day,' I've decided to lay out my top five favorite Christmas movies. This list will be decidedly controversial, but then I've never been 'typical' in terms of my tastes in... well... anything really. Enjoy!

5. It's a Wonderful Life (1946)
"B-but this is the best Christmas movie of all time! How can you rank it so low on your list?!" Invariably, whenever I tell people that I don't think Frank Capra's perennial holiday classic is the "best," I get this reaction, just as I'm sure I'm getting it from you right now. I suppose, for me, the over-saturation of this movie over the course of the last fifty years has worn this movie thin. Don't get me wrong - I still enjoy it. But, for me, this film has become such a classic that it doesn't pack the same punch it used to. Still, I love the character of Clarence ("Heavy on the cinnamon and light on the cloves!") and find George Bailey's character arc to be one of the most fascinating in cinematic history. So, there!

4. "Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer" (1964)
As a kid, I used to love the old Rankin-Bass Christmas specials, characterized by the wooden puppets and fun little sing-alongs. (These are the guys who are also responsible for "Santa Claus is Coming to Town," "The Year Without Santa Claus," "The Little Drummer Boy," and the animated "Frosty the Snowman".) "Rudolph," though, always stood out to me as something special. The fantastic characters - the elf who wants to be a dentist, the Abominable Snowman with a toothache, the singing snowman, the eccentric prospector, an island of 'misfit toys,' and, naturally, the red-nosed reindeer with a heart of gold - coupled with the memorable songs, the fun animation, and the vocal talents of Burl Ives (as Sam the Snowman) really helped to make Christmas a memorable time for me as a child.

3. "How the Grinch Stole Christmas!" (1966)
I actually prefer this animated version to the live-action Ron Howard-Jim Carrey from 2000 for a number of reasons. Firstly, I get awfully nostalgic when watching this version, mainly because it's the version I loved so well as a child. Secondly, I think that 26 minutes of the voice talents of Boris Karloff do more to establish the Grinch as one of the nastiest creatures in all of literature than Jim Carrey does in 104 minutes. Finally - and what I feel makes the whole movie - is the Grinch's theme ("You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch") sung by Tony the Tiger himself, Mr. Thurl Ravenscroft. Better in every way (in my humble opinion).

2. Scrooged (1988)
In my mind, there are few comedians alive who can square with Bill Murray. The man has been doing deadpan for ages and been doing it well-enough to have made a career out of it. One of my favorite roles - largely for sentimental reasons - is his turn as a spiritless television executive in Richard Donner's retelling of Dickens' classic book, A Christmas Carol. Taking on the 'Scrooge' role (as does Buddy Hackett), Murray is surrounded by a host of magnificent talent, including Carole Kane as the sadistic Ghost of Christmas Present, Alfre Woodard as the female Bob Crachitt, Karen Allen as Murray's big-hearted lost love, and Bobcat Goldthwait as the disgruntled laid-off employee. A fabulous film that I don't see nearly as often as I'd like!

1. Elf (2003)
I know, I know. "A Will Ferrell movie at No. 1?! Stephen, you're slipping!" And that may well be true. It seems, however, that Ferrell's honest turn as the lively, unassuming human-turned-elf Buddy strikes a chord with me and stands as a modern Christmas classic. Masterfully acted (including some standout performances from Ed Asner, the lovely Zooey Deschanel, James Caan, Mary Steenburgen, and Bob Newhart - with great cameos by Amy Sedaris, Faizon Love, Leon Redbone, John Favreau, Kyle Gass, Andy Richter, and Peter Dinklage), wonderfully written, and unendingly charming, Elf stands as a great film about the child-like wonder of Christmas that gets so easily lost this time of year.

Honorable Mentions: The Nightmare Before Christmas (1993), "Frosty the Snowman" (1969), "A Garfield Christmas Special" (1987), "A Claymation Christmas Celebration" (1987), "The Little Drummer Boy" (1968)

Hot Topic Tuesday - Consumed with Consumerism

Though you'd imagine that it goes without saying, I've changed a lot since my childhood and teenage years. Now, granted, I still have a lot more growing to do (something that will also go without saying), but at the moment, I find myself looking around and feeling a bit dissatisfied. It sounds like a terrible thing to say, particularly in the middle of the Advent season with Christmas less than two weeks away... but I cannot help the way I feel.

I think I started noticing it when I was young, though I did not recognize it then. It almost seemed as if, the older I got, the less magical Christmas became. For awhile, I equated that feeling with my growing up. Now, however, I think I attribute this lack of 'magic' to the over-commercialism and saturation of Christmas with the capitalistic manifesto.

To a degree, we all buy into this attitude - we lavish presents on friends, family, and co-workers... and, even this year, I've done just that. It's one way to express love for those around us. In a consumer-driven culture, like the one we all live in, it is often the easiest and most convenient way, though not necessarily the best.

Having a conversation with a couple of my fellow teachers yesterday over lunch yielded some interesting tidbits about the differences between Europe and America - particularly as urban areas are concerned. In Europe, most cities exist only over the course of a couple of miles... and the larger ones have excellent public transport. Most everything is within walking distance. Not so in the States. Cars are a necessity. I live at least 20 minutes driving distance (if not more) from both my place of employment and my place of worship. Seems absurd, no? (Perhaps the scary thing is that it really doesn't seem all that absurd...)

One of the teachers mentioned that this space was largely in part to the culture of consumerism we've fostered in America. Rather than keep everything intimate, we've spread out, consuming land and resources as we've gone until we are scattered from one another, losing our sense of community and comradery.

Christmas has no remained unaffected. In an effort to show our love for one another, we find ourselves bustling all over town (or, in my case, all over the Internet) in search of the best deal rather than spending time with those loved ones. It seems a pity, no?

Here's a video I saw a few weeks ago at Indy First's Fall Retreat. It's definitely stayed with me since I've seen it. Check it out:




Definitely something to think about. Times are tough all over, not just here. I, for one, have committed to giving a sum of money to this charity. I hope that you can find it in your heart (if you have the means) to give as well. Check out the Advent Conspiracy website at www.AdventConspiracy.org.

Luke 12:48 says, "From everyone who has been given much, much will be required; and to whom they entrusted much, of him they will ask all the more." We live in the wealthiest nation on Earth. If you have access to a computer, chances are you're living in the wealthiest 1% of the world's population. So... you've been given much. Are you living up to His expectations?

Shopping for me last minute?

Need an idea? I saw this today (a day late, sadly) on Neil Gaiman's blog (he's one of my favorite authors, in case you're new here) and thought, If I had some loose cash lying around, I'd pick that up. As I don't, I figured I'd post it here, knowing that you all love me enough to buy me stupid things (he says, laughing all the while).

"The Day the Saucers Came" is a truly funny poem about the nature of obsession. A talented artist has illustrated it. There will be 500 copies. They are $45 each. Help a brother out?

EDIT: Here's a picture from Gaiman's website. Click for a larger view.

Friday's Top Five (Saturday Edition) - Favorite Christmas Carols

Well, it's that time of year again - the "most wonderful time" as it were. With finals rapidly approaching next week, that means that Christmas time is almost upon us. As such, it's that time when we start hearing those old familiar songs and carols over and over and over again. I heard quite a few of them last night performed by some very talented high school students at CCHS' annual Christmas music concert. It got me thinking... what are some of my favorite Christmas carols? (For the purposes of this list, I'm opting to choose more traditional carols that truly capture the meaning of the season. This is not to say I don't enjoy the novelty carol - quite untrue, in fact. But traditional carols are traditional for a reason - they're timeless.)

5. "What Child Is This? (Greensleeves)"
What makes a beautiful Christmas song? Start with some beautiful music... and 'Greensleeves,' a traditional British folk song about unrequited love, certainly does the trick. Whether played on piano, violin, saxophone... whatever, the song is more widely known as an instrumental piece these days. The Christmas overtones were added by William Chatterton Dix in 1865, making this song a gorgeous holiday classic that has and will continue to stand the test of time. I'm a big fan of the Sarah McLachlan version from her Christmas album 'Wintersong,' released a couple of years back.

4. "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel"
Another fantastic song. This one has got a lot of meaning - the lyrics speak of the ransom of a "captive Israel" and speaks of the nation in exile, desperately in need of both Savior and Messiah. While the composition of the song seems haunting and dreary, the words evoke a note of hope amid suffering. A powerful tune that has been synonymous with the Advent season since its writing. Beautiful. Sufjan Stevens does a good version of this song - worth checking out.

3. "The Ukranian Bell Carol" (a.k.a. "The Carol of the Bells")
Probably the newest of the songs on this list, this song was first performed in 1916 as a New Year's anthem and, ironically enough, was meant to be sung a capella. The irony, of course, is the fact that the most popular versions of this song today are instrumental (most notably performed by the Trans-Siberian Orchestra). Having heard this song performed both by instrumentalists and a capella by a choir (like Straight No Chaser from IU), I'm not sure which version I enjoy more... but I do know that this is assuredly one of my favorite carols!

2. "God Rest Ye Merry, Gentlemen"
This is a great song that remains a favorite of mine. Speaking again of the need for a Savior, this song definitely possesses the 'peace' elements of the Christmas season - Christ has come to save mankind and, as such, there is no longer any need to fear, worry, or fret. Magnificent. Of all the fabulous versions of this song out there, I love either the version the Trans-Siberian Orchestra does before "Carol of the Bells" (link above) or the version the Barenaked Ladies recorded with Sarah McLachlan (which includes a version of "We Three Kings" - icing on the cake!). It's fun and poignant all at the same time.

1. "O Holy Night"
Easily my favorite Christmas carol of all time! The powerful crescendos, the moving lyrics, and the swell within everyone in the place when the choir encourages all to "fall on your knees" at the awe and majesty of the miracle of Christ's coming. While solo versions of this song can be exquisite (like those from Josh Groban or the incomparable Luciano Pavarotti), for my money, nothing beats a good choral arrangement of this piece (which are apparently hard to find on YouTube).

Honorable Mentions: "We Three Kings," "Angels We Have Heard On High," "It Came Upon a Midnight Clear," "O Come, All Ye Faithful," "Little Drummer Boy"

So... what are some of your favorite Christmas carols?