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Light of the world

Saturday, December 24, 2005

Light of the world
And so it was, that while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And Mary 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.

Nine months ago the Romans split the earth with their wild horses, roared into Nazareth and hammered a document on the white walls of the synagogue. The document, graced with the emperor's red wax seal, announced a census. Joseph, son of David and Mary planned their trip to Bethlehem, David's ancestral home. Maybe this could be a honeymoon trip.

And nine months ago Gabriel walked into Mary's life. Gabriel shook her being with his words, that she would become pregnant and carry God's baby, and deliver him to become God's man for the salvation of his people. Gabriel was an angel, not a man. He didn't violate Mary's virginity, but Joseph didn't know that. He wasn't there to hear the angel's words.

Mary falls on her knees before God's messenger and whispers, "Behold the handmaiden of God." Joseph doesn't understand and broken-hearted, plans to divorce her. Then God sends him his own messenger, and Joseph realizes Mary's destiny lies far beyond what he had expected or planned. And he will follow her.

So here they are. Elizabeth's baby has been born. His name is John. And Joseph and Mary journey to Bethlehem. They hadn't thought it would be so difficult. Of course, they hadn't expected Mary to be nine months pregnant.

"And so it was, while they were there, the days were accomplished." No time for Joseph to panic getting the suitcase in the wagon (like I did when Margaret made her first announcement; for a few minutes after my knee went out I was worse off than she was!). No time for Mary to question God about their surroundings. Surrounded by the warm breath of cows and horses and sheep, her bed softened by straw, she breathed hard, cried out, pushed, and Jesus was born.

Sticky eyes opening, tiny hands spreading out in the fresh air, and then Jesus takes his first breath of the air of earth. God is with us. And his dominion will have no end.

Thank you, Father, for sending us your son.



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