Advent 3C 2006 Luke 3:7-18

“What then should we do?” the crowd asked John the Baptizer.

Three stories, even parables. The first is “The Bell”, about two horses. In a field with two horses, from a distance, each horse looks like every other horse. But one horse is blind. If you come closer you will hear the sound of a bell attached to the halter of the other smaller horse in the field. The sound of the bell lets the blind one know where she is, so he can follow her. She always checks on him to make sure that he will listen for her bell and then walk to where she is, knowing she will not lead him astray. Wherever she goes she stops occasionally and looks back to be sure her friend isn't too far behind to hear the bell. (1)

Second story: During World War II, four young American combat soldiers were sent back to a small French village for a little R & R. When they arrived, they suddenly realized that it was Christmas Eve. They began to discuss how they would like to spend Christmas. One of the soldiers said, “I noticed an orphanage on the outskirts of the village. Why don’t we take some Christmas joy to those children?” The others liked the idea and the more they talked about it, the more excited they became. So they went out and bought what toys and candy and clothing, food and books and games they could, and went to the orphanage.

All the children were delighted as they opened their gifts except for one little girl who stood quietly off to the side. She looked very sad. `One soldier noticed and asked the orphanage director about the little girl. “We just got her last week,” said the director. “Both of her parents were killed in a car wreck. There was no one to take her in, so we brought her here.”

The soldier went over to the little girl and said to her, “It’s Christmas morning and we have wonderful Christmas presents here: toys, clothes, candy, food, books, puzzles. Which would you like? What do you want most for Christmas?” And the little girl said, “I just want somebody to hold me.” (2)

Third story: Kevin thinks God lives under his bed. At least that's what he said one night when he was praying out loud in his dark bedroom. "Are you there, God?" he said. "Where are you? Oh, I see. Under the bed."

Kevin lives in a very different world. He was born 30 years ago, mentally disabled as a result of difficulties during labor. Although he's 6-foot-2 he reasons and communicates with the capabilities of a 7-year-old, and he always will. He will always believe that God lives under his bed, that Santa Claus is the one who fills the space under our tree every Christmas and that airplanes stay up in the sky because angels carry them.

One wonders if Kevin realizes he is different. Up before dawn each day, off to work at a workshop for the disabled, home to walk the family dog, return to eat his favorite macaroni-and-cheese for dinner, and later to bed. The only variation is laundry, when he hovers over the washing machine like a mother with her newborn child. He catches the bus every morning, eager for a day of simple work. He is excited while the water boils on the stove before dinner, and he stays up late twice a week to gather our dirty laundry for his next day's laundry chores.

He doesn't know what it means to be discontented. His life is simple. He does not care what brand of clothing he wears or what kind of food he eats. His needs are always met, and he never worries that they may not be.

His hands are busy and his heart is pure. Kevin is never so happy as when he is working. When he unloads the dishwasher or vacuums the carpet, his heart is completely in it. He does not shrink from a job when it is begun, and he does not leave a job until it is finished. But when his tasks are done, Kevin knows how to relax. He is not obsessed with his work or the work of others. He still believes everyone tells the truth, promises must be kept, and when you are wrong, you apologize instead of argue. Free from pride and unconcerned with appearances, Kevin is not afraid to cry when he is hurt, angry or sorry. He is always transparent, always sincere.

Most of all he trusts God. Kevin seems to know God - to really be friends with God in a way that is difficult for an normal person to grasp. God seems like his closest companion. Perhaps Kevin is not the one with a handicap. Kevin has security in his simple faith. Perhaps he has some divine knowledge that rises above our “normal” mortal questions. He has spent his whole life in that kind of innocence, praying after dark and soaking up the goodness and love of God who lives under his bed.

And one day, when the mysteries of heaven are opened, and we are all amazed at how close God really is to us, we'll realize that God heard the simple prayers of a boy who believed that God lived under his bed. Kevin won't be surprised at all! (3)

Like Kevin, like the little orphan girl, like the owner of the two horses, God does not throw us away just because we are not perfect or because we have problems or challenges. God watches over us and even brings others into our lives to help us when we are in need. Sometimes we are the blind who are guided by the little ringing bell of those who God places in our lives. Other times we are the guide horse, helping others see. And good friends are like this. You don't always see them, but you know they are always there. That’s the essence of living in a community of faith.

And maybe the best Christmas gift of all is someone to hold us. As somebody once put it, “Rich is not what you have. It’s who you have beside you.” Advent comes along each year to remind us that “Love Came Down At Christmas,” that God is even now reaching out to us with open arms, and that He wants us to accept His love and to pass it on to others.

Amen

1. Adapted from Author Unknown, MountainWings, A MountainWings Moment #6335, Wings Over The Mountains of Life email newsletter
2. Adapted from James W. Moore, eSermons Illustrations for Advent 3C 2006
3. From DWS1552 email, adapted

Wicomico Parish Church
PO Box 70
Wicomico Church, Virginia 22579