The First Christmas

Presented by Marilyn McGrath from a devotional by Miriam Dixon and Margaret Campbell entitled Meditations on the Birth of Jesus, a Renovare Advent Resource

Based on Luke 2:1-20G

Joseph and Mary leave Nazareth, where Mary’s pregnancy is all the talk, to travel ninety miles south to Bethlehem, Joseph’s ancestral city. To not do so would be criminal tax evasion. The timing couldn’t be worse. Mary is in her ninth month and could go into labor any day. Her condition slows their journey, and when they finally arrive, all lodging is occupied and Mary is in labor. A compassionate man offers them space in a cave that is used as a stable.

Put yourself in their place. What smells are they trying to avoid? What sounds do you hear? This is no place for God’s son to be born; yet he is, and the world outside the dank cave is oblivious. Exhausted, Mary and Joseph wrap the newborn in strips of cloth and lay him on a pile of hay in a feed trough. As he quiets, Mary and Joseph huddle close, gazing into the infant face of God.

Meanwhile, in the hills nearby Bethlehem, a group of shepherds are settling their sheep down for the night. They are in quiet conversation when an announcement arrives of such importance that it will immortalize these forgettable men. It is the news of the century, of the millennia, of all millennia. If a list were made of who should receive such news, these men would be last. That they are first tells us something about the kind of kingdom now breaking in upon humanity.

The night is brightly illuminated by the appearance of an imposing angel. Terrified, they shrink back. The angel speaks. What does his voice sound like? How does he appear? Notice the stunned expressions on the shepherd’s faces, the movement of their bodies.

 “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. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” 

Suddenly, the angel is joined by a huge choir of angels – hundreds with their mouths wide open, songs spilling out. “Never heard nothing like it before,” they would say. “Never seen nothing like it!. It was spectacular. Jaw-dropping.” Then, as suddenly as the choir appeared, the angels vanish!

In the stunned silence, one shepherd asks if they should go look for this wonderful thing the Lord has told them about. So they scramble into Bethlehem and canvass the town, searching for a stable and a newborn baby.

Imagine the scene when the rumpled shepherds smelling of wood fire and sheep burst in. Picture Joseph and Mary’s startled expressions.

 

*The Adoration of the Shepherds: With the Lamp, Rembrandt

The shepherds hurry to the manger and point with wonder and excitement at the baby. He is exactly as the angel described. They were the first to hear the news. Now they are among the first to see the long-awaited Messiah.

Disoriented and tired, Joseph sits up. He leans forward protectively. Mary is quiet, watching, listening as the story tumbles out: something about an angel announcing the birth of the Messiah—and a cosmic choir. “The angel told us where to find him.” The shepherds explain. After a bit, they rush out again, spilling into the street, telling everyone they meet what the angel had said.

"...and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart."

Did the incongruity of the setting register with the shepherds? Did they stop to wonder why the Messiah was born in a stable, attended by animals? The arrival of God in human history was humble and awkward and messy. Everything appeared to align against God’s glorious plan being fulfilled. Mary and Joseph were forced at every turn to adjust to unfolding events. Yet through their willing cooperation, God’s will was accomplished and hope was born.

This is the way that God has always chosen to accomplish his divine purposes. God invites ordinary people in ordinary circumstances to merge their smaller stories with God’s epic adventure.

Like the shepherds, have you received a message of hope from the Lord, either directly or through the witness of others? What makes it easy for you to receive this as being God’s word to you? What makes it difficult?

The first Christmas was messy. In your current circumstances, what is catching you by surprise? Say a prayer for help to recognize God’s presence in the chaos of interruptions and unfolding events.

My prayer for you:

May the Lord shower you with his goodness, that you overflow with thanks every day. May He bless you abundantly with rest for your heart, strength for virtue, wisdom for life, and patience in suffering. May the Lord bless you with joyful hope, and with the inexpressible joys of life in His Kingdom. Amen.