Christmas is a compelling season. We are surrounded by sights and sounds that compel
us to participate in the festivities. We
are drawn to the bright lights, jingling
sounds, fragrant scents, and the experience
of Christmas. Christmas is a wonderful
season of giving.
In reality the Christmas story was not quite so
glamorous. While there was a guiding
star outside, there were no lights in the manger. The
noises would have come from the sheep and the cattle. The fragrance in the air would have also been
supplied by the animals. And what was
their experience? Mary and Joseph were
far away from home and family. They were
alone in a smelly stable filled with animals.
Mary’s bed would have been made of straw. Mary was a young girl who was
now far away from her Mother. No account leads us to believe there were
other women in the stable to help Mary give birth to her first born son. Then the visitors who came after the child’s
birth were men who came to see what had happened.
Yet despite the conditions of the stable, the sounds, the
scent in the air, and the isolation, this was a time of great joy. Something happened in that dark and dreary
stable that would change history
forever. Mary and Joseph’s journey to
Bethlehem led them to a strange place far away from everything familiar to
them. It was there that the miracle of the birth of Jesus happened.
Journey.
Uncertainty. Trusting. Fear.
Miracle. Joy.
How like God to show up in such an unexpected way in
unfamiliar surroundings in the company of simple folk. How like God it is to bring great joy in the
midst of squalor and stench. How like
God it is to offer His love to the broken, dejected, and despised. How like God to give love to all.
On our journey outside the walls we, too will encounter
sights and sounds that seem unfamiliar and we will face new challenges as we
step out alone. On our journey we need
only remember one thing. Regardless of
who you are or where you’ve been, God gives love to all. The baby came for you. God’s miracle of joy just for you. Christmas is a season of receiving.
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