A Christmas Break-In

A Letter from Bishop Benfield

I like words and I understand their power, so I am always trying to find a new way to talk about this holiday we call Christmas, which is so focused on the birth of a baby and the surrounding sentimentality. Our sentimental focus could be called “Silent Night” syndrome: the word “Silent” beginning every verse of the famous hymn. And “Holy infant, so tender and mild” as a descriptor of the newborn. Such imagery can lull us to sleep.

The church tries to push back against this sentimentality by focusing instead on Incarnation, or as I like to define it, the tangible breaking in of God’s presence in this world. A break-in does not lull us to sleep. Instead, it increases our heart rate and causes us to be more aware—more observant—of our surroundings. Eyes and ears are opened. When there is a break-in, something unexpected has happened, and we must decide what to do in response.

My hope is that our celebration of Christmas is the acceptance of the truth that God has chosen to break into this world, and our eyes will now be open to where God shows up. Those places may surprise and scare us, but once we have seen in whom God is present, my bet is that good will replaces anger and peace replaces warfare. After all, isn’t that what those angels promised two thousand years ago when they proclaimed God’s Incarnation?

I offer to everyone my wish for a blessed Christmas—and the gift of open eyes and open ears as God breaks into our lives.