Monday, December 25, 2000
Christmas

Read: Luke 4: 16 -22

During the summer of 1989, prior to the early 90s fall of the socialist government, Jane and I spent a couple weeks in Bulgaria touring Orthodox Monasteries. Recognized for the important role they played in preserving Slavic culture during the half millennium of Ottoman domination, the ruling communists had encouraged their preservation as symbols of national heritage. A portion of the country remained nominally Orthodox Christian, with a small minority of Protestants and Roman Catholics. A remnant of Methodists survived.

I had carried with me into the country a copy of a best seller of the late 80s. Spy Catcher is a non-fiction account of cold war intrigue and betrayal in British Intelligence. It was fascinating reading during the time we were east of what was still known as the Iron Curtain. As we were departing Sofia to return to the U.S., the customs official thoroughly inspecting our luggage discovered the paperback I had left in my bag. After staring at the book for what seemed like an eternity, this man who needed to give his permission for us to pass through and board our airplane, looked up at me and asked "What's your business in the U.S., mister?" An identity crisis instantly came over me. I had just finished a decade on the Wisconsin Conference staff, but thought Camp Director may bring to mind displaced persons or forced internment, so did not offer that occupational description. Being between positions that summer, I thought "unemployed" would lead to pointed questions about how our two weeks in Bulgaria had been financed. Fortunately, my response of "Protestant clergyman" satisfied him, and we were allowed to pass.

I've reflected several times since about that incident. How would I answer if it were Jesus asking, "what's your business in the U.S., mister church member? Are you being true to my teachings? Are you bringing good news to the poor, proclaiming release to captives, helping the blind to see and setting the oppressed free?"

As we remember the Birth of the infant Jesus, may there be no question that indeed our business is about exemplifying the call to action from the Christ we follow. --SZ

Prayer: Thank you, God, for the birth of your Son. May I be a worthy follower of the Way through my witness and actions. Amen.

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