Rebecca Carpenter

            The captivating olive wood nativity set dominated the coffee table.  Each figure exposed the rich, dark grain of the extraordinary wood from Israel.  The simple shapes contained no details so my imagination could supply the thoughts and feelings of each one. 

            Bright sunlight glistened off each character like the special Christmas star must have done.  Mary and Joseph stood behind the baby with their heads bowed slightly.  Joy and awe glowed from their faces as they marveled at the sleeping, miracle child in the plain manger. Two cows and two sheep lounged nearby with their bodies curved comfortably and their eyes focused on the intruder in their feeding trough.  Somehow they sensed that he would not harm them so they waited patiently.  Two wise men gazed at the newborn king from the left of the stable.  One stood regally wearing a crown while clutching the gift to his side. The other one knelt reverently with his treasure held close to his heart with both hands.  Thankful that they had reached their destination, they felt wonder and surprise that the king was a baby.  Standing behind them was their faithful camel still wearing his saddle with twin vaselike containers which had held the precious gifts during the endless journey.  His head was raised toward the sky as he prepared to announce the astonishing news.  Opposite the wise men were two humble shepherds in common clothing with no gifts at all.  One knelt with his hands folded in prayer as he faced the holy child.  Tears of astonishment and joy streamed down his face because of the spectacle before him.  Curled at his feet was a tiny lamb staring at the Lamb of God before him.  

            When I dusted the nativity set, I must have inadvertently moved the second shepherd.  His back was to me as he stared into the distance behind Mary and Joseph.  He looked over the head of his friend.  What was he looking for?  Did he hear an unusual noise?  Was he searching for his other companions? Did he see the third wise man?  Was he making sure that his sheep were safe?  All of those possibilities were good reasons to be distracted.  However, none were worth missing the wonder and majesty of the miracle in front of him.  While he was preoccupied with mundane matters, a magnificent, life changing event was right in front of him.  Yes, he was physically there, but he was not engaged in the supernatural present before him. 

            As I thought of each character in the nativity scene, I wondered where I fit.  During various times and circumstances in my life, I have been in several of them.  I have prayer and worshiped Him.  I have been in His presence with awe and thanksgiving.  However, I have probably been the lone shepherd more than I would like to admit.  When I become distracted by everyday events, I will think of the puzzled shepherd who was so busy that he missed the gift.  Maybe that shepherd was not positioned their accidentally after all but to teach me a lesson. 

            Remember to fully engage in the special gift right in front of you not only just at Christmas but all year. Merry Christmas.     

         As we celebrate Christmas, we remember the tiny baby Jesus who was born in a dingy, dark cave as His light shined into the world.  His birth began a ministry to the world to all people beginning with the lowly, despised shepherds.  Their lives were changed after they listened to the angels’ instructions, followed the star, and discovered the wee baby with his parents.  They did not become famous or powerful in their community because of their experience, but they were joyful as they praised God.  The shepherds were not afraid of proclaiming what they had seen and heard even though they were considered lowly and unacceptable to most people of that time. 

            Our lives may be like the shepherds—seemingly obscure and ordinary.  However, we can have joy and proclaim the Good News to the world too.  A few people are called to be evangelists who reach thousands of people, but most of us are not.  Our mission can be to share with those around us and reach one at a time so each day, be observant and see who God has put into your path.

     Mary couldn’t call her mother for advice about going through labor or how to soothe a crying infant.  Joseph couldn’t happily announce the birth to his family.  Where were their families during this time?  What did they think of Mary’s unexpected pregnancy?  Were they concerned about the long journey to Bethlehem for the young couple?  Were they worried and concerned when Mary and Joseph did not return soon after the census was taken?  When did they learn that the baby had been born?  They were not there to help the couple during this special time nor to offer support and encouragement.

    As the lonely, frightened couple entered Bethlehem, the labor pains began.  Joseph desperately searched the city for a warm, inviting room where Mary could rest.  As the pains increased, he realized that the city was full and that prospects for a decent room were vanishing.  His life had been turned upsidedown in the preceding months as Mary announced her pregnancy, he had been visited by Gabriel, and the couple had begun their lives together with a child on the way that was not even his.  In spite of all of this, he remained faithful and steadfast as he protected Mary and her child.  Finally, an innkeeper offered a cave where animals stayed so that the couple could find a place to rest.  Joseph tried to make it as comfortable as possible by laying blankets over the straw on the musty floor to form a crude bed.  He shooed the animals to the sides of the cave and then eased Mary from the donkey onto the bed.  Each time a pain came, Mary grimaced while Joseph considered what he should be doing to help.  He had not been prepared to be a midwife.  That was something that Mary’s mother would have taken care of at home.  Rough hands that were accustomed to the hard work of building now must gently assist in the birth of a special baby.  As the contractions became more frequent, they both knew that the time was near.  No one else was there to help.  It was Joseph’s responsibility.  God had sent messengers to them about Jesus coming so He must also have instructions for the actual birth.  After a quick prayer, Joseph proceeded to act as a midwife.  Mary watched a determined Joseph with appreciation and knew that she was in capable hands.  Just as the angel told her that she was chosen to carry God’s child, she also knew that Joseph had been chosen to be His earthly father.  They would not be left alone to figure it all out and would be protected. 

     With a final push, a tiny, soft whimpering Jesus entered the world in his cave nursery.  Smiles of relief and exhaustion showed on the faces of Mary and Joseph.  The birth was complete so they could now attend to his immediate needs-cleaning, feeding, and sleeping.  After searching the cave, Joseph discovered that the only place to put the tiny bundle would be in the manger.  After removing the grain and cleaning it out the best that he could, Joseph carefully laid cloths to provide a cushion for the sleeping baby.  In happiness, the couple hugged each other and marveled at the birth and realized that their lives would be changed forever.  They had not planned to be parents so soon.  They had assumed that they would remain in Nazareth near their families to raise their children like others before them.  Was the beginning of their lives together a preview of things to come?  Would they continue to encounter unexpected situations for which they had no preparation?  So far, they had instructions and assistance when needed so they put aside their concerns and rested knowing that God was there protecting them.  Little did they know that a group of strange, smelly visitors was searching the area to find the child that they angels had proclaimed. Life would certainly not be normal.

    Gold, frankincense, and myrrh.  The wise men presented these gifts to the young child after they had traveled on a long, tedious journey to find him.  These costly items were included with their necessary provisions for the arduous trip.  Why did they carry these gifts when they had so many items that they needed just to survive such as food, water, tents etc.?  How did they keep the gifts safe as they journeyed over difficult terrain among robbers?  Did they ever think of lightening their load by selling or giving away the gifts? 

     We only know that they reverently presented the treasures to Jesus at the end of their search.  What did Mary and Joseph think of these foreign, learned visitors descending on their quiet family?  Were they frightened by the appearance?  Were they stunned by the lavish gifts?  Did Jesus smile at the glittering gold?  Did he inhale the aroma of the spices?  What happened to the presents?  Did they sit in a place of honor in the simple dwelling?  Were they sold to provide money for the journey of escape to Egypt?  There are so many questions and so few answers.  However, we do know that the wise men followed the sign, the bright star, on a long journey to find Jesus and presented him with their best.

     We also travel the long journey of life, and if we follow the signs that lead to Jesus, we will find Him too.  We can present our gifts to Him-our best.  We may not have an abundance of material goods , but we can present our lives with our special talents.  Each person has something special which can be utilized.  Maybe it is singing, giving, praying, encouraging, teaching, or caring.  Even though we don’t know what happened to the gifts from the magi, we do know that our gifts can be used and multiplied for God’s use.

     The uncertainty of the future.  The ostracism of the neighbors.  The harshness of the environment.  The long difficult journey.  All of those problems were brought to mind by the movie “The Nativity Story”.  Other difficulties were proposed in the movie as Mary and Joseph prepared for Jesus’ birth.

     Usually, when we think of Christmas, we see beautiful, shiny, clean nativity scenes where everything is in perfect order.  The adoring parents gaze at their beautiful baby as the shepherds kneel in worship and wise men present valuable gifts. 

     God did not send Jesus into a perfect world to be on display in a gorgeous panorama once a year.  He came to go with us through uncertain times-the snubbing from those around us, sickness, death, divorce, wayward children, depression, addictions, and natural disasters.  In the midst of the turmoil, Jesus comes to shed light and shine in our lives-not once a year but daily.  It is wonderful to celebrate His birth each year and see people more loving and giving as they get into “the Spirit of Christmas”.  However, many who get caught up the festivities aren’t even Christians, but they only love the traditions and customs of the season.

     As Christians, shouldn’t we be distinguishable from those who aren’t?  Shouldn’t we celebrate Jesus’ birth and life every day?  Shouldn’t we rejoice that He came as our Savior and share that wonderful gift with others?  Shouldn’t others be able to see that we are different because of His love for us?  As we prepare for the celebrations of Christmas, we should not get caught up in the greed and craziness that have become a part of the season but take time to really focus on Jesus.  Have a blessed Christmas.

     Cute but wiggly boys in bathrobes.  Tall silent figures grasping wooden staffs.  Robe encased bodies kneeling quietly.  These shepherds all come to mind as Christmas approaches and nativity scenes are acted out.

     In Bethlehem 2000 years ago, the image of shepherds was quite different.  They stood in watchful solitude on the hillsides poised to protect their sheep from danger.  Long days and nights at work left little time for cleanliness and personal grooming.  They were looked down upon by the respectable citizens and were not included in fancy dinner parties or invited into comfortable homes.

     Imagine the stinky, unkempt men arriving to behold the baby proclaimed by the angels.  What did Mary and Joseph think?  How did they respond to the unexpected guests?  Did they announce that they were busy and that the baby was sleeping?  Did they discourage the visitors because they were afraid of spreading germs to the newborn babe?  Did they question the motives of the shepherds? 

     Since Joseph and Mary had both received assurances from the angel about the birth of Jesus, did they graciously accept the unusual visitors?  Did they realize that the shepherds were also following instructions from the angels and were part of the heavenly plan?  Did they rejoice as the humble shepherds knelt and worshiped the king?

     How often do we ignore those who are different from us and who may also be dirty and smelly?  Do we think that only educated, “religious” individuals like us are worthy to be used by God?  As we prepare for Jesus’ birth, we should look at all of the people around us.  Who is God using?  We may be very surprised.  Perhaps we overlook those put into our path because we can’t even imagine them being a significant part of God’s plan.  He can take what seems unworthy to the world and use it in glorious ways. 

     A young girl from a small, nondescript town in a rather undistinguishable part of the world.  She was not well educated or well known.  She was not an important leader or prosperous businesswoman.  She was just a normal, Jewish teenager helping her family survive.

    Suddenly, she received a tremendous surprise!  The angel, Gabriel, appeared and announced to her that she was blessed among women.  Mary was troubled.

    Troubled sounds like a rather calm response to such a proclamation.  Flabbergasted! Dismayed!  Hysterical!  Those responses sound more fitting after being told that she would have a child, who was not Joseph’s, that would be called the Son of the Most High.  Her mind must have been filled with various scenarios about the startling event.  What would her parents think?  What would Joseph do?  What would be the response of the community?  How could she withstand the accusations of breaking the law?  As she contemplated the news, Mary was troubled.  Gabriel assured her that God was with her and that she should not be afraid.  A calmness settled over her as she was told that the Holy Spirit would come upon her and that nothing was impossible with God.

     What a beautiful example she set as she answered,  “Let it be to me according to your word.”

     As we proceed through life and encounter unexpected circumstances, we often become troubled, exasperated, hysterical, or despondent.  We ask questions and wonder why-just like Mary did.  We can also be reassured that the Holy Spirit can come upon us too and that with God, nothing is impossible.  What a comfort to know that we are surrounded by God’s love and protection in the midst of our challenges and uncertainties. 

    Read Luke 2:26-38

     Christmas–a time of singing joyous songs, parties, sparkling lights, and cheery greetings.  I reflect on all of the happy aspects of the Christmas season, and then I remember recent prayer requests–family members having medical tests and surgeries, a friend losing a husband, a friend in depression, homeless families, children in foster care, soldiers at war–the list goes on and on.  How can there be joy at Christmas when there is so much suffering and turmoil in the world?

    Then I think of the tiny baby Jesus born in Bethlehem.  The world was not exactly peaceful and calm then either.  The Romans controlled much of the known world causing discord among the native peoples.  In the midst of the unrest and domination, a wee baby gave a twinkle of hope that burst into radiance across the world.  He was not born in a fancy, well known hospital with respected doctors using state of the art equipment but in an insignificant, dark cave in the small town of Bethlehem.  The hope reached the lowly shepherds as they quietly knelt in worship before Him.  Mary and Joseph did not announce the hope of His birth to the world but depended on God to do it.  They humbly allowed the shepherds and wise men to disrupt their lives to honor the baby.  In spite of difficult circumstances during the Roman occupation, God’s plan was fulfilled according to the Old Testament.

     It is so easy to look at all of the turmoil around us and become discouraged.  However, there is also hope–a granddaughter’s healed heart, a friend’s child being drug free for 6 months, good reports from medical tests, thousands of people giving toys to needy children–this list goes on and on too.  When we feel discouraged about trying events in life, we can remember the tiny baby that brought hope which has spread around the globe for generations and generations.  We can also allow that hope to grow within us and shine into the world.