BROADCASTS.com

And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near (Hebrews 10:24-25).

Here’s a tidbit of personal information. At our house, for many years we were immersed in the Harry Potter saga, both books and movies. There is a scene in the sixth movie that has, for me, been an image of the church.

Harry’s guardian, mentor, friend, and father/grandfather type figure, Albus Dumbledore, has just been murdered by a trusted friend. Horror-stricken people are gathering around the fallen body. Dumbledore was the leader of those fighting against the rise of evil. Now he lies dead, at the foot of the Hogwart’s walls. Thus far in the story, Hogwarts was the only truly safe place against Voldemort’s encroaching evil regime. It is a scene of despair and hopelessness.

Then one of those standing around the body raises her wand in the air: the tip glows with light, as if it were a candle. It’s a statement of defiance against evil. One by one others raise their glowing wands. Soon there is a small halo of light above those who will continue to resist the forces of evil. Hope is still alive. (Here’s a link to the scene: Dumbledore's Farewell Scene - YouTube).

In Tuesday’s devotion, I reflected on the opening words of Hebrews which introduces the grand themes about Jesus which are worked out in the rest of the book. But Hebrews can be summarized in these four words: Jesus is the greatest. The thing is though, at Christmas, Jesus is little more than a flickering candle: he lies without spectacle in a feed trough.

After his resurrection, when he returns to the glory of heaven, he leaves behind a group of disciples who have no idea what they are up against. They don’t know what they are supposed to do or how to get started. They don’t even really understand what Jesus was doing. Yet, they are the ones whom he leaves behind to continue his work.

Those of us who call ourselves Christians are the descendants of those first disciples. 2000 years later the church is now an international organization, and one would think she would have her act together. But truth be told, she still seems to flounder, not quite sure what she is supposed to do or how to do it.

Christmas reminds us of our humble beginnings. It also reminds us that Jesus told us to remain humble. The mission of the church is accomplished through acts of service. It was after Jesus got down on his knees to wash his disciples’ feet that he told them to follow his example.

Hebrews is a heady book, picking up grand themes from the Old Testament arguing how Jesus is far superior to anything that took place back then. Its often a slog for people to get through the book. When it finally gets to the application the author simply tells us to spur one another on to good deeds and to keep meeting together.

On our own, the flickering candle of our faith and love tends to get snuffed out by the winds of evil and selfishness. But together our combined faith and love dispels the darkness, at least a bit of it. That is why that scene from Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince reminds me of the church. We need each other.

As we head into another lockdown, we need each other.

On my ornament today, I am going to draw lighted candles (or wands) as a reminder that I am not alone.

For something to do: call, email or text someone to remind them that they are not alone.