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Sermon December 24, 2022
The Rev. Rebecca S. Myers, MSW
The Church of the Nativity and St. Stephen’s
Christmas Eve
https://lectionarypage.net/YearABC_RCL/Christmas/ChrsDay1_RCL.html
Service Video: https://youtu.be/2ypkKdYNZkw
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. Luke 2:10-11
Please be seated.
I was so excited when I saw that the Harrisburg Symphony Pops Concert schedule included a concert called The Paul Simon Songbook. I’m not sure how or when I first heard the duo Simon and Garfunkel or when I received my first album, but I must have been 12 or 13.
As I’ve spoken about before, the church youth group had a singing group and our standard program included No Man is An Island and the Sounds of Silence. Sometimes a duo would sing Richard Cory and on this night, I also remember the time we did Silent Night with the 7 o’clock News.
Needless to say, I proceeded to find all of the albums the duo had done to date and probably know all of the words to the songs. That’s why I wondered if there’d be a sing-along-section during the symphony concert.
In 1970, there was great excitement as Simon and Garfunkel released a new album, titled Bridge Over Troubled Waters. My best friend at the time, Wendy, and I had a sleepover one night and we had so much fun playing this new recording on my little portable record player. At one point, we decided to do some choreography to the songs. About the only thing I remember is how we made ourselves into a bridge, using the floor and bed for support for the beautiful song, Bridge Over Troubled Waters.
Of course the recent pops concert included that song, with the symphony conductor, Stuart Malina playing the piano. Then on Wednesday evening, there was a TV show actually recorded in April, that was a tribute to Paul Simon, with lots of different singers singing the songs he wrote. Bridge Over Troubled Waters was definitely included, sung by Stevie Wonder and Ledisi.
So, why am I gushing over Paul Simon and especially his song, Bridge Over Troubled Waters, on Christmas Eve?
Two millennia ago, an angel brought great news for all people that a savior was born. A child was born who would save all people. God came down to earth. That’s why we are here this afternoon. That’s why we gather every Sunday, because of the birth, death and resurrection of that child.
But what does that mean in our lives today? We cannot see this child, this Jesus in the physical sense. We do not see God in the physical sense. We do not see the Spirit in the physical sense. Yet, we do see them in the spiritual sense, don’t we?
And that’s why I’m thinking of Bridge Over Troubled Waters tonight. God is with us – Emmanuel.
Listen to the words:
When you're weary
Feeling small
When tears are in your eyes
I'll dry them all
I'm on your side
Oh, when times get rough
And friends just can't be found
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down
When you're down and out
When you're on the street
When evening falls so hard
I will comfort you
I'll take your part
Oh, when darkness comes
And pain is all around
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will lay me down
Sail on silver girl
Sail on by
Your time has come to shine
All your dreams are on their way
See how they shine
Oh, if you need a friend
I'm sailing right behind
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will ease your mind
Like a bridge over troubled water
I will ease your mind
Life is not always easy. Many challenges come our way, individually, in our parish, in our community and in our world. I don’t know how to explain all of this or why bad things happen to people or communities that don’t seem to deserve them. The only thing I am sure of that God is with us…that Jesus is with us…that the Spirit is with us.
God, Jesus, and the Spirit are our bridge over our troubled waters. We are never alone. God is with us. We can rejoice in that!
Amen
