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December 2008

“For to you is born today in the city of David a Savior”
(Luke 2:11)

The Greeks had two different words to describe dimensional time from significant time. Like us they sought to distinguish quantitative chronological time (chronos) from significant qualitative time (kairos). Like us they struggled between balancing ‘quantum’ time from ‘qualis time’. Often ‘qualis time’ was traded in for ‘quantum time’ or even mixed together blurring the two together and each losing their meaning. They sought to solve the struggle by introducing the two different words in their language and having them separated in their vocabulary.

The ‘time’ of Christmas is approaching and soon Christ will be born on the 25th of December. Many of us will be busy ‘quantum-wise’ with preparations, gifts, cards, food, church events, concerts, travels, etc. Of course, there is a place for this and most of us will be looking to spend ‘time’ with family and friends and celebrate the end of the year.  But let me say it again: the ‘time’ for Christmas is approaching, but this time we will seek to celebrate the birth of our Lord switching from ‘quantum time’ to ‘qualis-time’. We will no doubt be busy with the approching festivity, but this year we will try to have ‘qualis time’ with friends, family and Jesus.

It is interesting to realize, in this light, that the “today” Luke describes when Jesus was born in the city of David, is not only a day fixed in history. This day is not uniquely marked by the long awaited gong on that Holy Night. For many, on that magic moment the ‘baby’ was born, but soon to be forgotten the day after. Yes, Jesus indeed was born on a precise moment in history. It was time on the move, time as the future passing through the present and so becoming the past. It was a real day on the Jewish calendar. Yet, the “today” of Luke is a special one. It is not only a chronological day marked by ‘quantum-time’; it is significant time, ‘qualis-time’.

When later grown up, Jesus of Nazareth entered a synagogue and reading from the scroll of Isaiah he said, “Today this Scripture has been fulfilled in your hearing” (Luke 4:21). That “today” meant a significant moment in the lives of those who were hearing him. In fact that moment would be able to change the lives of many. Anytime the Scripture is read and heard can be a special ‘qualis- time’ of fulfillment and of salvation.

The “today” of the evangelist Luke that started 2000 years ago in the city of David, is a daily “today.” This day gives the possibility to all to open the door for the Savior who is our Christ and Lord. Far from being an annual Holy Day, Christmas – certainly a repeated refrain – should become a ‘qualis time’ of daily joy. Every ‘day’ Jesus wants to save and become the Lord of lives that will no longer gravitate around themselves and bent on themselves (Luther).
 
“At the acceptable time I have listened to you, and helped you on the day of salvation” Behold, now is the acceptable time; behold, now is the day of salvation" (II Cor. 6:1).