Lily and I ushered in christmas morning together today. It is 1 am right now and I am holding her tiny body as she squirms and suckles at my breast. I can't help but ponder what happened 2000 years ago on a night much like this one. That night when Mary brought our precious Savior into the world to the sounds of bleating sheep, mooing cows and clucking chickens. The nativity story is such a blessed story told with such beauty, elegance and grace. Nativity scenes at the store are so peaceful with a kneeling Mary besides an angelic baby, Joseph standing confidentally beside. The shepherds are surrounded by the flufiest sheep while the star sheds the perfect stream of light, yet, that isn't the real story.
The real story is much different. The stable wasn't tidy, and the smells weren't fresh. It smelled probably more like a day old outhouse. I am sure the sheep and shepherds were covered with mud and sweat. Mary was still recovering from the trauma of birthing a baby, everything hurt, she might have tore, she was exhausted from the labor and the long jourmey and she was still bleeding. She was probably coping with tremendous fear and doubt because, after all, she was only 14. Joseph, after the shock of watching the woman he loved deal with the pain of delivery, sat off to the side probably shaking from exhaustion, fear and the overwhelming responsibility of becoming a father to the Most High. Perhaps he dealt with feelings of inadequacy because all he could find was a stable and manger for his laboring wife and now new infant. Don't forget the baby Jesus. Yes, he is God in the flesh, but that doesn't mean he didn't smell as Mary pulled His slimy body from hers and placed Him on her chest. I am sure He screamed and cried as they washed Him in the night and desperately tried to find comfort at His mother's breast. There were no baby nurses or warming trays. Mary couldn't consult with a lactation specialist when Jesus wouldn't latch on and Joseph had no idea how to help. He probably felt totally inept at newborn care his confidence fleeting. The light was poor and the atmosphere dank.
And the star. Have you ever thought about how incredible a sight that must have been in the midnight sky? How brilliant the Light must have been shining in the air? The star lead the three wise-men from afar and pointed them to the exact spot, yet no one else came. The little town of Bethlehem was bustling with visitors from the census, all of the rooms were full and the star shone bright overhead but no one even noticed. There were no curious souls who heard the noise and came. No travelers looked to the light. The King of Kings should have been welcomed with the whole of the world, with everything fit for a king. Instead, He was heralded by shepherd boys and three humble men who traveled for YEARS to get there. Gifts weren't lavished on him or robes draped across his bed. Small boxes of gold, frankincense and myrrh his only presents. When we talk about coming from humble beginnings, Jesus did.
As I sit here tonight holding Lily the impact of the Lord's entrance into our world takes on more meaning. The Father loved us so much that he humbled himself twice, to be born as a tiny baby in a stable and then to take on the burden of the cross. This Christmas set your heart on the treasure sent for you and for me, the tiny baby sent to us to set us free from the sin that binds us. Join me in saying with new resolve.....
O HOLY NIGHT
No comments:
Post a Comment