We began our consideration of the Big Buts of Christmas a few weeks ago by reading Matthew's herald: This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about. Let's revisit those words.
Matthew began here. A statement with no ifs, ands or buts. Matter-of-fact. Here it is. Now, what are you going to do with it? The many buts we considered added clarity to the story. But, after Matthew's opening salvo, those buts do more. They each call us to a decision.
But before they came together... But he (Joseph) had no union with her...
These verses call us to decide what we believe. Was it a virgin birth? Was Mary's conception an act of God? Was it simple human procreation? We have to reckon these things - because Matthew says: It happened like this.
But after he (Joseph) had considered this (leaving Mary)... But you Bethlehem in the land of Judah...
These verses call on us to decide. Was God really involved in orchestrating the details of this conception and birth? Was God really involved in fulfilling the details He had forecast long ago in ancient parts of His story? Matthew said: Just like this. What do you do with it?
There are more buts to this story than we've had the time to consider. A quick read through Matthew chapters one and two, Luke chapters one and two, and the first chapter of John's gospel, you'll find others. You'll find a couple of buts about Zechariah and Elizabeth and the conception and birth of their son John - and the unique role he is to play in Jesus' story. You'll find a couple of buts from the dialogue between Mary and the angel that comes with news of her having been chosen by God to bear a Savior. You'll find a couple of buts in Mary's Magnificat - her song of praise - after she realizes, it's coming about just like God had said. And you'll find a few more buts about the stories of people hearing the good news, coming to see for themselves - and having to reckon with the very claim: This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about.
I'd suggest that Matthew, with those words, put a gift before you. The Bible calls Jesus an indescribable gift. The angel heralded: Behold! (another very cool word- it's like saying, 'Check this out!') I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people. What do you do with a gift? You accept it. And if it's meaningful to you, you cherish it.
Merry Christmas!
Darin Michael Shaw is both a writer and serves as the Senior Pastor at Christ's Church in Amherst, New Hampshire. He's considered by many to be an expert on big buts... of the bible. You can read more at http://www.darinmichaelshaw.com and http://www.interactivesermon.com
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