The Dark Side of Christmas - Pt 5

In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be registered, each to his own town. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. (Luke 2:1-7 ESV). Mary and I don’t travel as much as we would like. Hopefully that will be remedied when we both actually retire. There were days when that was not true though. When we were in college it was not unusual for us to take a few days off and just strike out on a road trip. It was always fun going “toward” some destination and just stopping where we wanted for the night. It was adventurous at times. I can remember a time or two stopping at the only motel in the area and checking in during the darkness of late night only to wake up the next morning in the light of day and think, “Did we really stay here!” Through the years we did do better in our choices of motels. Now we make reservations ahead of time and check the online ratings before committing to stay in them! For Joseph and Mary, there were no such conveniences in Bethlehem. In fact, with all the people returning for the census, they had little choice of a place to stay. That’s a bit strange for me to understand. Bethlehem was filled with Joseph’s relatives. Yet, it was only a kind gesture from an innkeeper allowing them to stay with the animals that gave them a dry place in which to bring their son into the world. We naturally ask why? Surely one of their relatives or family friends could have made space in the guest room, at least temporarily. But the shame and rejection Mary experienced in Nazareth was spilling over into Bethlehem. Family stories spread then just as they do today. Can’t you hear that voice from deep within the house? “Tell them to sleep with the animals! That will teach them!” And so Joseph and Mary head to the stable, where Mary gives birth to Jesus in the filth of a barn. And a stone’s throw away, the family of David is missing the birth of David’s Son, the most awesome birth in the history of humanity. How tragic and how sad that was. Yet, there are those today who miss the birth of Jesus in much the same way. With our preconceived notions of right and wrong, with our adamant beliefs in the “sins” committed by others, we fail to recognize the opportunity to welcome others into our hearts. It might be wise to remember at this time of the year that Jesus reminded us that “Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.” (Matthew 25:40 ESV).