Today’s scripture: Luke 2:6-7 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Terri Brown):
I grew up in a large family (seven kids and my parents) and went to Catholic Church and parochial schools. The church is rich in tradition and ceremony, and the rituals around Christmas are full of pageantry and wonder. So my childhood memories of Christmas include Advent wreaths both at the church and home, candles lit and burning daily throughout the season, and greenery and decorations everywhere.
But my favorite memory is always of the day we put up the Christmas tree at home and set up a well-worn Nativity scene in its special place right under the tree in the middle of the front part of the fluffy tree skirt. The small wooden stable was about 8 inches tall and 10 inches wide. The “straw” stayed on the floor of the stable, and some pieces remained in the manger. The figures, with crumbling limbs and powdery faces, could be carefully set in their places to remain until the tree came down on the traditional “Feast of the Three Kings” in January.
It was magical and momentous as Joseph and Mary seemed to come alive in the stable. A few animals took up space around the stable near Mary and Joseph, and it was always exciting to place a fresh new light bulb (the size of Christmas tree light bulbs at the time were large compared to the lights used today) through a hole in the back of the stable. The light glowed so that the angel hanging in the middle of the point of the roof at the top was gleaming. But the most stirring part of the display was how the light shone over the manger and illuminated the Baby Jesus in such a unique way that the bed the Child lay in appeared to radiate with the glow of holiness. Mary and the Baby had halos around their heads — and even with years of wear the gold reflected the light and glimmered inside the building.
And to this day my favorite Christmas decoration is a Nativity scene. Indeed, I have collected several over the years. And I have also given some of those away as I watch children gaze in amazement on the manger scene.
Thus, one of my favorite Bible verses comes to mind, which concisely tells the story and perfectly creates and captures the moment:
6 So it was, that while they were there, the days were completed for her to be delivered. 7 And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling clothes, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.
Thought for the day: Allow the wonder and spirit of Christmas and the story of Jesus’ birth to fill you with amazement each and every time it is shared, just as a child hearing it for the first time. Know that we are all blessed and loved — and, because God sent Christ, we can share the message of love and wonderment with celebration and reverence.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.