|
"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: 3-7).
Christmas and family go together. At least that’s what we are led to believe by the movies and songs, traditions, and transportation. We are told by AAA that the roads will be crowded. TV news tells us that airports will be extra busy. Why? Travelers are going to family gatherings.
However, some people have a very small family, or maybe no family at all. What will Christmas be like for them?
Take heart! Luke’s account of the first Christmas tells us of a couple who were traveling because of a census decreed by Caesar Augustus. Mary must have wondered about leaving parents and family behind as she and Joseph set out for Bethlehem. Yes, Joseph was, as scripture tells us, “…of the house and lineage of David.” But it seems there were no close relatives living in Bethlehem because they were relegated to an inn. And still worse — to the stable behind the inn.
One can’t help but wonder if Mary shed a tear out of loneliness. It was just Mary, Joseph, and a soon-to-be-born son. “Lonely and frightening” are the words that come to mind rather than “family and gathering.”
Sometimes, however, God surprises us. He creates His own family. How surprised Mary and Joseph must have been when their little shelter was suddenly filled with shepherds who came in from out in their fields! No, they weren’t expected. Rather, God provided. Their little gathering of just the two of them and a newborn baby turns into a crowded stable. Likely it was filled first with shepherds, but then others too who had to come and see for themselves. Why? Because the shepherds made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them.
From two very lonely people, God created His family! What’s unique about this family is that they are gathered and bonded together not by genetics, but by a newborn Savior!
So are we! You and I are a part of this family whose only connection is that we share in God’s Savior, Jesus! So, we gather … first at church, and then in our homes and neighborhoods. There may even be those whom God brings in who are just as unlikely as the shepherds. They never thought that they would be invited into a celebration like this! Just as Mary and Joseph welcomed them in, we have the privilege and opportunity to welcome others — even those living on the fringe — to join us. Everyone is welcome!
| 
