In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. All went to their own towns to be registered. Joseph 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. He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. 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. [NRSV]
As an adult, I know that during Advent we, as Christians, are waiting to celebrate the birth of Jesus. As a kid, however, my sister, brother and I spent the pre-Christmas season waiting first for the arrival of the Sears toy catalog and later for the arrival of Santa Claus, who we hoped would bring some of the toys and games we had circled on those well-thumbed pages.
Our first glimmer of the real reason for Christmas came after we had finished decorating the Christmas tree with our favorite ornaments. At that point, my mother would bring out the box that held our Nativity set – our collection of figurines representing Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus, as well as shepherds, sheep, and a donkey. First we would build the stable – sometimes from wooden blocks and sometimes using Lincoln Logs – then we would carefully arrange the little white statues with baby Jesus at the center.
As we set up our manger scene, we would discuss the story of the birth of Jesus – although I do not remember Caesar Augustus or Quirinius being part of those conversations. So we were really learning our first Bible story, even though we didn’t know it.
In these verses of Luke, however, there is no indication that something special has happened – no shepherds in the fields, no angels in the heavens – just a humble family. What strikes me now is the very humble beginnings of our Lord Jesus and the great things he went on to do. And it reminds me that regardless of our station in life, we are all called by God for our own unique purposes.
Today I embrace all the joys of Christmas – giving and receiving of gifts, being with family and friends, church services with beautiful music and meaningful readings, and celebrating the birth of the baby Jesus who was born to fulfill God’s promises for us.
*What family traditions can we establish to remind ourselves of the true reason we celebrate Christmas? What can we do to share the joys of the Advent season with others whose lives may be more humble than own?
God of Light and Love, with all the glitter of the holiday season around us, help us to always remember that Christmas is really about you sending us Jesus, your son.
Marianne Adams lives in Decatur with her husband Tom and son Alan. She married into the church 17 years ago and currently serves on the Adult Faith Formation Committee and as coordinator of the Break Bread groups.
(Image source: Lalo Garcia, Nativity)
Led By Love @ DPC 