By Rebecca Stoltzfus, president
Scripture: Luke 2:1-20 (NRSV)
On this Christmas day, I invite you to sink into the mystery of the nativity, the story of the birth of Jesus. As you read the familiar text below, allow yourself to slow down, to relax and be present to this story, which is both ethereal and earthy. Which character speaks to you today?
Joseph, the reliable father.
The innkeeper, who predictably says, “No room.” And then unpredictably, says, “Well, then, stay in my barn.”
The animals whose big warm bodies and warm breath no doubt kept Mary and the baby warm through the night as new life entered and changed the world.
Jesus, the baby, wrapped in simple cloths.
The Shepherds, simple and earthy and smelly, who came to see, and left amazed!
The Angels, who hovered and protected and illuminated and said, “Do not be afraid.”
Mary, who said yes to the mystery, and ponders all these things in her heart.
This year, the animals speak to me. People who live in cold places have for centuries relied on the warmth of animals to heat their homes in the night, a practice that continues in the mountains of Tanzania, Kenya and Ethiopia, for example. I have never slept close to a cow, but I can imagine the comfort of her steady breathing and warm flanks, and also the pungency of her aromas.
These days as we are forced to reckon with the ways that we continue to damage our planet and ecosystems, I find myself acutely aware of how the earth and her creatures nourish and sustain us in generous interdependence. I ponder how a cow and several sheep might have kept Mary and the newborn baby Jesus warm that night, sustaining the Light of the world, earthy and ethereal.
Have a blessed Christmas!
Scripture: Luke 2:1-20 (NRSV)
In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3All went to their own towns to be registered. 4Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. 5He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. 6While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. 7And 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.
8In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. 9Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: 11to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. 12This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and lying in a manger.” 13And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host, praising God and saying, 14“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!” 15When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” 16So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. 17When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; 18and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. 19But Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. 20The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.