Summary: Every snowflake is different, but they all start out the same. It's only in the buffeting by the wind as they tumble to earth that they achieve their individual beauty. In many ways, we are the same. When it comes to our DNA, we are alike at the level of 99.9 %.1 Yet the buffeting of life makes us very different individuals. Every character in the Christmas story was also shaped by life's varied circumstances. And each of us -- like them -- is individually beautiful beyond belief.
One truth: Maybe you've heard that no two snowflakes are alike. Every snowflake is different. How do we know that? Who first said it?
Well, back on January 15, 1885, a man named Wilson Bentley (1865-1931), who lived in Vermont, began to take photographs of snowflakes. It was not easy. Cameras in those days were very large and cumbersome. If there was any heat at all the snowflakes melted! But Bentley laboriously worked out a process involving black backdrops and quick time exposures, and began photographing snowflakes. (Project photos of snowflakes. Use a search engine to find some of Wilson Bentley's photographs.)
During his life he took photographs of over 5,000 snowflakes. Each looked different from every other. His displays of snowflakes at major art galleries created a sensation. People were astounded. And of course, it became conventional wisdom that every snowflake is different. No two are alike.
Another truth: Some say it's the same with people. Like snowflakes, no two are alike. We're all different.
That's all true, but there's something interesting about snowflakes that most people don't know. In 1988 Nancy Knight, a scientist, went up in an airplane in the skies over Wisconsin and studied snowflakes before they fell to the ground. Guess what? In the sky snowflakes are the same. They are not different at all.
So how do they get different? It's the descent to earth. The winds travel at different speeds, there are different temperatures, the snowflakes get bounced around and by the time they land, bumped and bruised, they are no longer alike.
Reflecting on this fact, the writer Adam Gopnik wrote: "For the final truth about snowflakes is that they become more individual as they fall. Buffeted by wind and time, they are translated, as if by magic, into ever more strange and complex patterns, until, at last, like us, they touch earth. Then, like us, they melt."2
We are all like snowflakes. We all start out alike. But the bruising and battering of life makes us what we are -- unique individuals shaped into breathtakingly beautiful art. God's art.
The Christmas story is all about bruising and battering. Mary's unexpected pregnancy, her difficult three-day journey to her cousin's home (possibly to escape the gossipers and haters in her village) the suspicions of her future husband only finally calmed by a dream, the trauma of travel far from home right before the due date. If Mary is not broken, she's at least battered and bruised.
Joseph too is bruised. He's part of a bigger story he didn't sign up for and may not fully understand -- and that's all prelude to becoming a political and religious refugee.
Jesus was also shaped by the experience of being a stranger in a strange land. Born in an unimportant and occupied province on the edge of a glittering empire in which he had no power, no status and no influence, he was thrust as a child from one culture to another and off to a third. He had no hometown, and very nearly no homeland. He too is unique.
Now let's listen to how Jesus, Mary and Joseph are shaped by their environment, pain and backstory, as well as by their faith in and relationship with God.
My name is Mary. Like snowflakes high in the heavens, I started out the same as all of you. Like a snowflake fallen to the earth, after being blown about and buffeted by the winds, I am now different from everyone else. If I had to describe myself, I would say that I am a little frightened by what is happening to me! Some of the things that have made me who I am include being raised in the small town of Nazareth and being gossiped about by the people in my village, but also feeling support from my older cousin Elizabeth.
Sometimes I feel like the birth of my child will be the most exciting thing that has ever happened. Sometimes I wonder why my husband Joseph ever doubted me. Sometimes I wonder why God thinks this is the best way to do things.
But I have seen angels. I am who I am. I am a child of God. I am a part of God's plan.
My name is Joseph. Like snowflakes high in the heavens, I started out the same as all of you. Like a snowflake fallen to the earth, after being blown about and buffeted by the winds, I am now different from everyone else. If I had to describe myself, I would say that I am a simple carpenter who is suddenly part of something very, very big. Some of the things that have made me who I am include learning a trade and working hard, but also having an angel visit me in a dream to tell me to put up with what is happening with Mary.
Sometimes I feel like I am glad God picked us. Sometimes I wonder why I have to do what the Romans say and travel three days with a pregnant wife because of the census. Sometimes I wonder why God picked me when others are likely more suited than I am.
I am who I am. I am a child of God. I am a part of God's plan.
My name is Jesus. Like snowflakes high in the heavens, I started out the same as all of you, as an infant.. Like a snowflake fallen to the earth, after being blown about and buffeted by the winds, I am now different from everyone else. If I had to describe myself I would say that I am the son of Joseph, the son of Mary, yet also the Son of God. Some of the things that have made me who I am include being raised in a small village, learning carpentry, growing up knowing the scriptures and knowing the scriptures are pointing at me.
Sometimes I feel like I am supported by angels and sometimes I feel like I've been abandoned by heaven. Sometimes I wonder why people aren't kinder to each other. Sometimes I wonder why our heavenly Father -- well -- sometimes I just wonder.
I am who I am. I am a child of God. We are all children of God. I am a part of God's plan. We are all -- but you should know that.
I wonder if we all, at some time or another in our lives, as children or adults, sat down in front of the Nativity set and imagined that we were a part of this great story. Where did you see yourself? Where do you see yourselves? I'm going to recite something very similar to what was shared by our three guests. Every time I pause, I want you to think the answer to yourself. Now close your eyes and listen, then fill in the blanks.
My name is (pause)___________.
Like snowflakes high in the heavens, I started out the same as all of you. Like a snowflake fallen to the earth, after being blown about and buffeted by the winds, I am now different from everyone else. If I had to describe myself I would say that I am (pause)____________.
Some of the things that have made me who I am include (pause)_________________, (pause)___________________, and (pause)_____________.
Sometimes I feel like (pause)______________________. Sometimes I wonder why (pause)________________. Sometimes I wonder why God (pause)_____________________.
And now, repeat these words after me.
(If you are able, project these words and lead the congregation. If not, speak these words, pause, then repeat them with the congregation.)
You may wish to use the following lyrics as a hymn or choir anthem, to the tune "Still, Still, Still." The lyrics are by Frank Ramirez, and you have his permission to use them.)
The "Still, Still, Still" tune may be found here:
Cambridge Singers. www.youtube.com/watch?v=zTx6cWV9NBk