Wednesday's thoughts

"Why Did Joseph Have to Take a Number?"

It seems clear to me that we have a historical problem but we have a theological solution. Most scholars do not accept the idea that a census happened the way Luke 2 suggests it happened.

Raymond Brown, in his book, Introduction to the New Testament, writes:
"The setting for the birth of Jesus is supplied by the decree of Caesar Augustus for a census of the whole world, the first enrollment when Quirinius was governor of Syria. Historically this description is fraught with problems: There never was a census of the whole Empire under Augustus (but a number of local census), and the census of Judea (not of Galilee) under Quirinius, the governor of Syria, took place in AD 6-7, probably at least ten years too late for the birth of Jesus. The best explanation is that, although Luke likes to set his Christian drama in the context of well-known events from antiquity, sometimes he does so inaccurately. Theologically, by associating Jesus' birth with the decree of Augustus, Luke is introducing a divine plan that will culminate when Paul proclaims the Gospel in Rome (Acts 28). The events Luke will describe actually took place in a small town in Palestine, but by calling them Bethlehem the city of David and setting them in a Roman census, Luke symbolizes the importance of those events for the royal heritage of Israel and ultimately for the world Empire. The announcement of angels, "To you this day is born in the city of David a Savior who is Messiah and Lord" (Luke 2:11), is imitative of an imperial proclamation. If Augustus is portrayed in inscriptions as a great savior and benefactor, Luke is portraying Jesus as even a greater one. This is an event on the cosmic stage, as the angelic multitude underlines by affirming glory to God in heaven and peace on earth."

There is a cosmic quality to the story and that is more important than the historical accuracy. There is a God quality to the story. Christmas is a heavenly event more than it is historical. It is a theological event and not a documental circumstance.

As strange as this seems to us we, too, live on this level from time to time. It is the area of intuition, of meditative introspection. It is a higher kind of logic than we usually employ. It is the logic of the heart.

Part of the reason Christmas has such appeal to us is the Cosmic Christmas; and what can be seen above and beyond the earth. Christmas is a heaven thing.

I expect we all look at Christmas this way. There are aspects of our experience that defy logic; elements of the story that transcend our understanding. Andrew Greeley wrote, 'Christmas is the surprise of light coming back, Easter the surprise of spring returning. Our faith is the ability to be open to surprises."

What do you think the surprises will be this year? How does the cosmic Christmas speak to you?

If you have thoughts on this write me at charlesschuster@fcfumc.net. If you are willing to let others read and respond to your thoughts click on the box below.

I look forward to hearing from you.


Charles