The lectionary that our congregation follows highlights a different Gospel each year, which is introduced during Advent. Except this year…because Mark is the Gospel Scrooge.
Each of the other three Gospels has some version of the Christmas story, the way it is “supposed” to be. Matthew tells of “Emmanuel,” and the Magi. Luke has angels, shepherds, and “no room at the inn.” Even John, as abstract as it is, tells us a Christmas story of the Word made flesh and dwelling among us. And then there is Mark, who cuts right to the chase with a very adult Jesus beginning his ministry with John the Baptist’s call for change. Mark’s Gospel is filled with a different urgency. Even the first words spoken by Jesus don’t mess around: “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God has come near…” Fine, then. No time for mangers or myrrh, I guess. Why do you have to be such a Scrooge, Mark?
But some years, Mark seems appropriate, doesn’t it? Violent war in Ukraine and Gaza. Political infighting and constant talk of government shut-downs. Gun violence and hate crimes in places accustomed to peace and quiet. Sometimes, it feels like we have the same urgency that Mark does: we need Jesus, we need his kingdom, we need change, and we need it all right. now.
So perhaps Mark has good news for us this Christmas season, after all. Most scholars agree that his was the first Gospel written, and spoke to a context where Christ-followers were isolated and outnumbered. They didn’t have time to watch a baby grow up; they needed Jesus to be at work, and in a hurry. But after all, isn’t that the power of the Incarnation of Christ: despite what the world around you looks like, God has shown up and isn’t messing around? So it may not make for a great Christmas pageant, but this season, may the “Gospel Scrooge” give us the hope we need: God is at work in the world. The kingdom has come near.
by Rev. Dr. Matt Sturtevant
Prayer
God bless us, everyone. Amen.