December 24, 2020

Photo Credit: Don Flowers

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

It’s Christmas Eve, one of the most magical days of the year.  Individuals and families have waited and worked for this evening throughout the weeks of Advent and the wait is almost over.

 At our house, with our small wooden nativity, we’re still telling the story. Mary, Joseph, and the donkey have finally arrived at the stable in the front hall. The shepherds on the piano have turned to look at the deepening night sky. Baby Jesus, who survived being kidnapped by a child who shall remain nameless, was rescued from the toy box years ago and is safely tucked into the top drawer of the credenza in the hall, waiting to take his place in the manger on Christmas morning. The wise men are watching the stars in the dining room and won’t arrive at the manger until Epiphany.

It’s easy to make this day sentimental rather than holy. Sentimentality makes the sheep too white and wooly, the straw sweet-smelling and cozy, the shaggy donkey friendly and brown. Sentiment focuses on wrapped packages and red ribbons, on white twinkly lights and gushy feelings.

 The real Bethlehem is earthy and more profound. The stable smelled, the travelers were hungry and covered in dust from the road. The dark truth of Christmas is that Jesus was born in a stable “because there was no room for him in the inn.”  Even then, we offered God no room. Today, we barely crack the door open to see the stranger and then continue on with our lives, bolting the doors once again in our fear and worry. But we can offer the world, and ourselves, a different ending.

We no longer have to wait for God’s presence among us. Emmanuel means “God is with us,” born this night in a smelly stable in all the earthy holiness of the world.  The One who brings the light of hope, peace, joy, and love to this world of fear and conflict is “with us” now and forever.

It’s up to us to tell the story.

Prayer: On this night like no other, may we welcome the travelers and strangers among us. May we offer the gifts of understanding and compassion, of healing and comfort, and of peace and justice to those in our midst. May we strive to reflect the light and love of Christmas throughout our world today and every day.

Anita Flowers wishes everyone a very merry and meaning-filled Christmas.