A Random Act of Culture

 

And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David ca Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!” (Luke 2:8-13 ESV).

 

On October 30, 2010, shoppers filled Macy’s department store in Philadelphia. It was a normal shopping day until, without any fanfare, over 650 singers from the area joined the Opera Company of Philadelphia Chorus and began singing Handel’s “Hallelujah Chorus.” At first, shoppers appeared confused as they came to see what was happening. The singers were not on a stage but were interspersed among the shoppers. People recorded the event on their cameras, and it soon went public on the Internet. This “random act of culture” may have looked spontaneous, but it took some effort to make this event happen. (Go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wp_RHnQ-jgU to view the video).

 

When Jesus appeared on earth, it initially looked like a random birth. Though a few people knew of Jesus’ coming, most were unaware of the plans that had been made in heaven to bring us a Savior. The Gospel of John gives us a glimpse into the background planning that went into bringing Jesus to us. The birth of Christ was more than a simple occasion of a young woman giving birth in a stable, to which shepherds and wise men came to visit. This was an occasion that God had choreographed to rescue people from all nations. Our reading today shows us that even the angels could not contain their joy! Let’s rejoice today, for God made his dwelling on earth for us!