Rev. George Miller
Dec 24, 2023
Luke 1:57-64
This morning we gather with anticipation for the birth of
Jesus.
Today there will be Carols sung, ancient scriptures read,
and candles lit.
It is a joy to welcome Baby Jesus into our lives, to
remember that even in the cold of winter there is a Light.
Another chance to journey to Bethlehem, another chance to
follow Jesus, another chance to transform our lives.
Perhaps for today, following Jesus could mean paying
attention to how Jesus inspires our language and changes the words we use.
For example, how Jesus will inspire us to call God “Papa”,
and how Jesus will use the word “Blessed” to describe those who have difficult
days.
But first- a language lesson, a lesson in something called
“phrasal verbs.”
Phrasal verbs are something all native English speakers
use and most of are unaware of.
Apparently, all of us who grew up speaking English have a
particular way of communicating that we are not aware of.
Phrasal verbs are used to describe things we are doing, about
to do, or have done, such as “stand up”, “sit down” and “get away”.
But for those who speak another language and are trying
to learn English, these phrases make no sense.
Why say “stand up” when all we have to say is “stand”?
Why say “sit down”?
Of course when we sit, we are sitting down.
How did “get away” even become a phrase? How do you “get” away?
We say these phrasal verbs all the time, unaware we are
doing it.
English has over 100 phrasal verbs that take up much
space and time in our communication that could be spent sharing more chisme or
drinking more Cafecito.
No wonder people who speak Spanish sound like they’re
speaking so fast because they don’t have all these extra words.
It is fascinating when we learn about speech, what we say,
such as today’s reading.
Zechariah has been unable to speak for 9 months. His wife Elizabeth gives birth and when
Zechariah confirms her choice of names, he has his speech restored and begins to
praise God.
“Gives birth” and “Begins to” are both phrasal verbs.
Language is so fascinating.
As stated in the beginning of today’s message, one of the
many gifts Jesus gives us is the gift of language. Jesus will teach us new ways to speak.
1st- Jesus will change what we call God. For nearly 2,000 years the extended faith
family has called God things like Yahweh, Lord, Elohim.
All powerful, stately sounding names, holy and royal, but
in some ways, they are impersonal.
With just one prayer, Jesus changes that forever.
Jesus teaches us how to pray and how to address the Lord as
“Abba.” Abba means “Father.” But it’s more
intimate than.
Abba is up close and personal, gentle.
Think of Abba as Daddy. Pa. Papi, Pa-pa, tatay (ta-die), baba.
Jesus changes our speech to address God, creating the
image of a parent who is there to care for, love, provide and be there.
Jesus changes how we address God, which changes how we
interact with God, and how we understand God to be.
Jesus encourages us to speak of God as one who lifts us
up, twirls us around, cares with a calming heart and endearing spirit.
Another transformative use of language that Jesus does is
the use of the word “Blessed.”
In Luke 6 Jesus is with the crowds out in the community. The people are living with diseases, enduring
great pain, troubled minds, and paralysis of various kinds.
Jesus is amongst people who are very worried, very
scared, people who have been mistreated, unseen, blamed for their lot in life.
Jesus calls them an unexpected name- he calls them “Blessed.”
In a world with so many words and ways to describe people
living with sores on the bodies, tears in their eyes, and trouble in their
spirits,
Jesus chooses to call them “blessed.”
His words change everything.
Jesus says “Blessed are you who are poor.” “Blessed are you who are hungry.”
Jesus says “Blessed are you who are crying and depressed
and feeling the winter gloom.”
Jesus could have called this group of people anything, anything
at all, and yet he chooses to call them “Blessed.”
And by calling them Blessed Jesus gives them
hope, Jesus fills them with inspiration, Jesus is saying “You are seen and you
MATTER.”
For months we’ve asked the question “Why Jesus?”
Today, another answer comes our way- because Jesus changes
how we speak, Jesus shapes the words that we use.
Jesus changes the world, with nothing more than air and sound
and letters pieced together.
Jesus changes how we see God, how we see others, how we see
ourselves.
So as we prepare for tonight, as we prepare to make way
for the Light of Christ,
Let us also get ready to reevaluate how we speak,
what we say,
and reimagine what words mean.
For the words we use are the words that can bring hope
for the world
and usher in brave new beginning.
For that, let us say “Amen.”
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