After the sabbath, as the first day of the week was dawning, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary went to see the tomb. And suddenly there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord, descending from heaven, came and rolled back the stone and sat on it. His appearance was like lightening, and his clothing white as snow. For fear of him the guards shook and became like dead men.
But the angel said to the women, “Do not be afraid…
Matthew 28:1-10
Dear friends,
I don’t know if you are like me, but there is a very important ritual that happens at my house every January–we clean up after Christmas. You know what I mean…we take down the Christmas tree, carefully pack away all the now dusty decorations, collect the wrapping paper and ribbons worth saving, and vacuum up the pine needles.
It’s a ritual that has its mysteries and wonders…like how in the world did all these decorations fit in these boxes? And what in heaven’s name am I going to do with this gift from Great Aunt Jean? And why, oh why, did I eat all those Christmas goodies?
Somehow this after-Christmas activity doesn’t seem quite as much fun as the preparation and the waiting that goes on in the season leading up to Christmas. But it does give us the opportunity to stop and take a moment to reflect on the season just past. As we put away the Christmas tree lights and ornaments, it’s hard not to remember the excitement of decorating the tree and the house, the joy of giving and receiving gifts, and the celebrations with family and friends. Sometimes it’s only after the excitement is past that you can really see just how special everything was. Sometimes it’s in looking back–in the quieter time after the season that the true meaning of Christmas becomes clear.
The Gospel of Matthew tells us that after a week of chaos, fear and terrible tragedy, in the quiet of an early morning, two women approached the tomb where Jesus lay. Suddenly the earth shook and an angel appeared and rolled the stone from the mouth of the tomb. Then in the stillness, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary heard the voice of God. God’s angel at the tomb also told them not to be afraid, but to go and act on faith. Go and meet the risen Christ.
I imagine the friends and followers of Jesus might have felt a little like us after Christmas. The first followers of Jesus didn’t really know what was going to happen at the time of Jesus’ last days and crucifixion. It was only after the horrific events were over–and they had time to reflect on what was going on–it was only then, perhaps, they realized how they had encountered the love of God in Jesus Christ.
This month at Edwards Church we begin a sermon series entitled, “First Followers,” and learn about the very first to follow Jesus in the season after his death and resurrection. We’ll meet some familiar and unfamiliar folks, Mary Magdalene among them, who were the first to know Jesus and committ their lives to walking in his footsteps.
As we enter into this after-Christmas time, as you’re packing up the decorations, take a moment to reflect on the season just past. Where did you see God’s love in the midst of the celebrating and the chaos? In the relative stillness of this January, look back and see the whole of the Christian story, not just its beginning. It’s a mystery and wonder to hold the resurrection in your heart when looking back at Christmas, and recommit ourselves in this new year to following Jesus as the first followers did. May you take time this month to look back, to reflect, and to seek for God’s presence in all things.
In peace,
Karen Nell