In 1972, George Carlin included a segment in one of his comedy routines that has become well known for its commentary on so-called "curse words." He zeroed in on seven words that are universally regarded in broadcast media as being unacceptable and unfit for general consumption. Carlin was quick to point out that there is great inconsistency as to which words are banned or avoided, and that the enforcement of such standards is equally nebulous. Now, much has changed since the 70's, and the volume and kinds of profanity in many broadcasts (to say nothing of the ubiquity and accessibility of media platforms) has changed a lot. However, in many circles, especially amongst people who are conservative in their view of decency and language, the standards about what constitutes a curse word and what does not are still fairly clearly defined. But there is one word that quite often rises to the top of that list. I have often joked satirically that there is one word that is seen as a curse word amongst Lutherans, and more broadly amongst human beings: change.
For a number of solid reasons, people don’t like change. We spend so much energy attempting to arrange our lives to a standard where they are "normal" and comfortable and pleasing to our own sensibilities. And then, often without any input from us, somebody changes something and blows apart our cozy little fiefdom. Sometimes we can quickly and accurately assign blame to another person or group of people for bringing that world-destroying change about, but sometimes a change happens quite independently of any human being's will. A company’s changing its policy on something that directly affects you is an entirely different matter from a medical diagnosis that threatens your life and radically rearranges your schedule, relationships, and priorities.
On the other hand, there are some changes that happen in our lives that we deeply appreciate. While the death of a loved one and the subsequent funeral can be heartbreaking, the birth of a child to a family and the baptism celebration that follows can be an occasion for great joy. A new job can be a change for the better, as a new relationship or a new purchase can be. It’s easy to give the word change and everything it brings a bad rap, but there are some very good things that come from changes in our lives.
You've probably heard some variation on the "lightbulb joke." The way I tell it is like this: How many Lutherans does it take to change a light bulb? Just one, and a whole congregational meeting to argue over the fact that it never needed to be changed in the first place! So as much as stubborn, German Lutherans may moan about and push back against all kinds of change, it is absolutely essential to the economy of God‘s kingdom. In order for us to be right with God, changes had to take place. A debt had to be paid, and death had to be turned into life. On the cross, Jesus paid the price. In his resurrection, Jesus turns death into life. Repentance involves a change of the heart, and God seeks to transform us into people more like him. That transformation is impossible without significant change taking place.
Advent marks a change in our focus. We turn our eyes towards the moment in time when God changes the conversation, changes the whole story of our world in a way that brings great good. "Good news of great joy" (Luke 2:10) is what the angels brought to shepherds, simple people like you and me, at the birth of the Savior. And we are changed by that good news. We are transformed by the birth of a little Baby who would grow up to change the world, and invites us to do the same by the power of His Spirit living in us.
As I reflect back on the year that is drawing to a close, it is clear to me that there have been many changes taking place in our world, in our community, in our congregation, and in our own homes. Some of them have been difficult. Some of them have been awesome and life-giving. Some will be fleeting, while others will become more permanent. As we move toward a new year, there are some changes we may long for, like warmer weather and opportunities to be outside more often. Other changes we may avoid at all costs, like rising prices and visits to the doctor or dentist. In the midst of a world that is continually in a state of flux, there are a few things that thankfully will never change. God‘s faithfulness. The good gifts He always showers on His people. The saving sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. His resurrection promise that gives us hope. Reasons to celebrate the changes He continually makes in us as we look to him, and the way it all started: a baby in a manger in Bethlehem.
May God grant you a rich Advent and Christmas season. I pray that the changes the season brings about will be pleasant and enjoyable. May God grant us all eyes to see His work in the changes around us, and a willingness to embrace the ones that bring health and joy.
Adventure is out there!
Pastor Aaron