There's no need to fear, Underdog is here!" You remember Underdog, a super-canine who talked in rhyme. Underdog was the alter-identity of Shoeshine Boy. He was usually called into action by his girlfriend, ace TV reporter Sweet Polly Purebred. When he heard Polly's singing plea of "Oh, where, oh where has my Underdog gone? " "Humble, lovable" Shoeshine Boy would slip into a phone booth and emerge as the champion of justice.
I loved underdog because he wasn’t an all-powerful, superman from on high. He was just a “humble, lovable dog” from down low, who responded when people were in distress, under attack, afraid. Whatever he seemed to be on the outside, bowed low before the feet of others shining their shoes. His greatness came out when he responded to the call of one in need. He was a champion of justice. When Polly sang, her underdog came. And when he was near, there was no need to fear.
I remember a young, expectant Mary singing her heart out…
Luke 1:46
“My soul magnifies the Lord, 47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48 for he has looked with favor on the lowliness of his servant. Surely, from now on all generations will call me blessed; 49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me, and holy is his name. 50 His mercy is for those who fear him from generation to generation. 51 He has shown strength with his arm; he has scattered the proud in the thoughts of their hearts. 52 He has brought down the powerful from their thrones, and lifted up the lowly; 53 he has filled the hungry with good things, and sent the rich away empty. 54 He has helped his servant Israel, in remembrance of his mercy, 55 according to the promise he made to our ancestors, to Abraham and to his descendants forever."
And then my mind wanders to the story of a group of shepherds receiving the good news…
Luke 2:8
In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9 Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10 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: 11 to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger."
…, shocked awake by the sound of angels, telling good news of a messiah, reassuring them that in his presence there was no need to fear. Humble, yet lovable, this one would save the world by championing justice and responding to cries of the needy.
Oh where, oh where, has my Savior gone? Oh where, oh where can he be?
Near! No more need to fear!
Merry Christmas!!
plou
