A long long time ago, a man named Joseph was forced to go to the city of Bethlehem to be counted for the census (They didn’t deliver to your door, just so you could throw it away, Not that I would ever do a thing like that); he was with his betrothed (fiancee’), Mary, who was extremely pregnant. Joseph put her on his donkey for the trip, what a gentleman. The donkey was not happy with the situation, I am sure.
Mary and Joseph passed many cities along the way. There were possibly a few lights from village fires, but I am quite sure there were no blinking lights in the trees (if there were trees), head bobbing rain deers moving electronically, lighted metal frames in the shape of animals, or even candy canes. There was no men in red suits at the malls or local quick stops taking orders from kids who had studied the Sears Catalog intensely. This all came the next year, I am sure!
When Joseph and Mary arrived at the inn, there wasn’t a room to be had. There were no phone books, expedia, gps, or iphones with instant hotel search. They were both very tired and Mary was ready to give birth at any moment. The inn keeper, was a kind man. Out of the goodness of his heart, he allowed them to stay in the barn out back. It was the only place he had available, for there was no room in the inn. The time came for the child to be born. In that barn, in a manger (stack of hay) Mary delivered a boy, who God had instructed her to be named Jesus. She wrapped him in swaddling clothes (not a cotton hand smocked white gown or even a one piece jumper from Walmart) and placed him in a manger.
As this miracle of birth occurred, something else was happening elsewhere in this region. There were many shepherds who lived in the fields and tended their flocks of sheep by night. An angel appeared to them, quite out of no where. The shepherds were very frightened, and the angel said, “Do not be afraid, for I bring you tidings of great joy”, (Great news) There was a child born tonight, who has been sent by God as the Messiah. (I can just hear the Sheppard’s mumbling in disbelief) Christ was born this day, away in a manger, in Bethlehem.” The Shepard’s began to spread the good news!
At the same time, some other men were traveling from the East, who were either kings or wise men. (Who knows?) They were following a star that preceded them, and all of a sudden the star stopped over the place where Christ was born. They entered the barn and presented gifts, NO not to Mary, Joseph or the Inn Keeper, gifts to the Christ Child. They didn’t even play “Dirty Santa”. They presented the child with Gold, Frankincence and Myrrh (the last two being something like incense), not a play station, a ipad, clothes from Gap, or even so much as a stocking gift from Walgreens. What they presented was what they had as personal possession… no shopping. (Interesting concept, Hummmm!)
Thus the Story of the Birth of Christ! Merry Christmas!
None of the above was meant to be blasphemous in any way. Have a sense of humor, I know I butchered it a bit. But seriously, think about it. Where and why and when did all the gift giving and spending come from anyway. Looks to me like we should have stuck with a gifts for Christ, like helping at the food pantry, giving of funds for the needy, volunteering to help build a house, taking a family into our home, etc etc etc. You get my point. Hey I’m as guilty as anybody. It was fun playing Santa all those years… but… if we had never started it, would they miss it?
I am NOT as cynical of the modern day Christmas season as this small parable lets on. Christmas is meant to be a time of joy and celebration. Couldn’t Christmas be more like Thanksgiving, everyone enjoying each others company. Thanking God for giving us his son… Just a thought! I have become more of a traditionalist about Christmas, preferring “Silent Night” to “Santa Claus is coming to town,” not sure if that is circumstantial or just because I am getting old. (Not that old) but however you choose to celebrate is fine – keep in mind the true meaning of Christmas. It is far greater and way more lasting that what lies under the tree, be it real, pre-lit or my favorite, the silver tree with the color wheel.
Warmest Wishes from the Island and May the Peace of Christ be with you and your family this Christmas Season and always. Spread the good news!