Christmas story
Real Live Preacher writes an introduction to his Christmas Story narrative in 8 parts, beginning December 1.
Luke 2:1-7
And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. This taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. (KJV)
The facts are few and the account minimal to the point of absurdity. In a few short verses, Luke tells us everything we know about the birth of Jesus of Nazareth, he who would come to be known as the Christ.
There is wonder and mystery in this story, much of it hiding between the verses and in the silences that cry out to pilgrim readers. Luke’s soft words give us the gentle and polite details, but the real story was one of pain and surprise, of grace, beauty and brutality.
I’m fascinated by how we have filled in the gaps over the years. In building our own Christmas story, we have padded this bare account with cultural details, many of which are anachronistic or simply unlikely.
Read more…
What I wrote after reading through this blog…
I just stumbled across your site after a search for new blogs to read.
I skimmed through and read a few posts, and a few comments and a story.
I added you to my blog roll and posted an entry to send some of my readers to your site.
Then, I read your story. And I cried. Not that it mirrored my own story so much, but it drew attention to those areas in my life that I so desperately try to keep below the surface. For that I am grateful. I think it is what I was looking for today.
I am grateful my God does not allow for coincidences.
Merry Christmas.
