I confess yet again; Christmas (and Advent) is my favorite. Recalling the details about Christ’s birth; the prophecies; the Reason … often puts me in an attitude of gratitude. Of course, as a pastor, I often have to note the nitty gritty details, so I gain perspective. Like today’s Holy Nougat for example:
“And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.” Luke 2:7 NRSV
The little details!
I was so focused on the absence of room, that I jumped to the wrong conclusions – that they could not afford an inn, that there was no preparation for Jesus’ birth in terms of clothes (since they were dirt poor; you see) and thus, the swaddling clothes were about mid-shaped and I’ll-fitting clothing.
But A). Jesus’ birth probably set off the bassinet trend, since the mini-arc was no longer trending
But more seriously. Mary sought to protect Jesus from any bits of hay, spittle and other debris which may have remained in the feed trough; also known as the manger.
And what’s more, C). Jesus in a manger made it feasible for The first human guest to gain access. Shepherds would have greater access to Jesus in a manger, than Jesus in an inn. Just as others have greater access when Jesus shines from our hearts and lives.
Others may choose to ‘lock’ the Word away by outlawing Christianity. But if we LIVE our faith, the Word once again is incarnated and dwells with us. Now that’s a Christmas story & gift worth repeating & keeping long after the official season is over. Oh yes.
