"In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, 'Do not be afraid; for see-I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth 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 heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!" (Luke 2: 8-14, New Revised Standard Version)

Have you ever been in situation where you felt surprised and uncertain? Have you ever asked a question only to discover that the answer you received was not what you expected? In fact, perhaps the answer was not an answer at all. Possibly it was only another question or an understanding that took you in a totally different direction.

I remember that happening to me even as a child and quite a lot with my parents. Since Mama and Papa were and are both teachers, I could ask a question, but I knew that if I did so it would be at my own peril of being the recipient of a "teachable moment." And I also knew that they would seize the opportunity with great relish! Papa would take it quite seriously if I did not indicate that I totally understood his enthusiasm. In fact, I would not even have to ask a question. Even a raised eyebrow could bring on the didactic experience. So as children, David and Linda and I learned how to become adept at maneuvering our conversations. This was partly in self-defense and to avoid being solely on the receiving end of the passion of articulate teachers.

This special issue of EcuMiniNet™ Online! became another type of "teachable moment" for me. I talked to our writers about the season of Advent, those four Sundays before Christmas where we prepare our hearts and relive that anticipation of Christ's coming (Advent means, coming or arrival). Then I also talked about the meaning of Christmas for each of us, that God-with-us, and how we experience that. I felt quite proud of myself at having clarified our theme and what-we-want-from-you-as-writers. I do not know exactly what I thought I would receive, but the sharing that came my way totally changed my own perspective of both Advent and Christmas. I did not receive exactly what I had expected- in-my-own-mind. I had received the unexpected. It challenged and changed both my understanding and my focus.

The biblical stories of the coming of Jesus Christ let me know that I am not alone in my feelings. Both gospel writers Matthew and Luke name that anticipation, preparation; and then the birth of Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:18-25, Luke 1:26-56, 2:1-20). It is rather like the shepherds just doing their daily (or nightly) work and who were not expecting a manger-messiah. What started out as an ordinary work day ended up being a Christ-seeking experience. Even the adult Jesus, when revealed, was totally different from everyone's expectations.

Advent has to do with expectations; with anticipation and preparation of the coming of Jesus. Christmas, the experiencing of the newness of Jesus Christ, has to do with changing ourselves or rather our willingness to be changed and/or to be "Christ-seekers." It's as if we start the whole faith/life process all over again through the beginning of the life of Christ. Perhaps the main question is, are we up to the challenge of the unexpected; the gift we do not foresee?

"Do not be afraid; for see-I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people…"

Blessings and sincere wishes for a joy-filled, faith-full Christmas,

Janine Hagan, Editor

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