On Christmas Eve, Rev. Cari preached on the Luke 2:1-20 narrative of Mary & Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem, the angels and the shepherds. Her sermon focussed on some of the lesser-known parts of the story, and gave us a window into God’s Christmas project.

The kataluma (the Greek word translated “inn” in most versions) is her first focus. It’s the same word used later in the Gospels for the “upper room” in which Jesus and his disciples partake of their Last Supper.

The second focus is on stratias (the Greek word meaning army) used for the heavenly host who announce Jesus’ birth.

In Jesus’ birth, God is addressing the ancient and pervasive hostility that still troubles our weary world. Christmas is not a quick fix for the injustices of the world, but it hallows the whole world. It offers a possibility of a new way: a brave way of peace, of reconciliation, of justice-seeking and right relationship.