“But do Joseph and Mary end up together?”
Her wonder lit up the room. Around the table of life-long Christians, the questions and insights brought to the conversation by someone who was not raised with what seems a familiar story, ignited anew the wildness of the Christmas story.
It can be challenging to hear familiar words in new ways. If we aren’t distracted, numb or tuned out, we may tip the other way, being swallowed by the nostalgia and familiarity, missing the wisdom, blessing or epiphany that could arise.
Yes, we can fall prey to merely going through the motions when it comes to repetition, ritual and tradition. But, these rhythms can give us opportunities and prompts, reminders of messages we need to hear as we navigate the challenges of life.
We only get snippets; a piece of the story. Slim chapters with authorial intent that may be lost on us: Isaiah connects us with the prophetic words. Matthew shows us how the Christmas events fit into a larger picture. Luke gives us the stories of people.
What do you most need from God in this Christmas time?
Do you need to lean into the hope and promise that comes with prophecies foretold? Perhaps you long for another piece of the puzzle, some insight or revelation of God’s presence and action. Or maybe you need the reminder that God has always worked through ordinary people to do extraordinary things.
A Christmas Blessing
As you hear these familiar words of scripture told (and retold)
When grief and disappointment disrupt your holly jolly and merry and bright,
May you remember that good news is only good news to those in need.
May you remember that the first to hear and know the truth of God’s incarnation
were those on the margins/doing the grunt work/pulling the night shift.
May you remember the promise that from what has been cut off/broken/discarded
hope, possibility and new life springs forth:
A shoot shall come out of the stump.
May it be so.