I have always been intrigued by the Christmas story. I love to learn the facts surrounding the story and I love to imagine how I would feel if I was in the situation of the key characters. For example, today I learned that the swaddling cloths that Jesus was wrapped in when He was born were a normal part of the packing list for anyone taking a journey. Swaddling cloths were used to wrap the bodies of those who died along the journey and I can only imagine as Mary packed them, she could only think of herself being wrapped in them. She was nine months pregnant and about to embark on a long trip, and on the back of a donkey nonetheless. There was no pristine hospital for her to deliver the baby in and it was pretty common for women to not make it through childbirth. She was preparing to lose her life for the sake of God’s purpose. Yet for some reason I had always assumed that the cloths were already in the manger or the inn keeper supplied them and never realized that Mary and Joseph brought them themselves, ready to face whatever loss was ahead.
Up to this point in my life, the Christmas story has been almost like a fairy tale to me. The plot of the story has always carried simple, positive connotations in my mind. Mary talks to the angel. Mary gets pregnant. Joseph and Mary go to Bethlehem. They have to stay in the stable. Jesus is born in the manger. Angels sing the good news. The shepherds come visit Him and the animals all surround the manger on a silent night. End scene.
And while the story is simple, the effects of the story are great. Mary didn’t just talk to an angel; Mary was appointed to carry out one of the greatest plans of God. Mary encountered the Holy Spirit in a way that the majority of mankind will never experience. Mary had to try to explain to her family, friends, and Joseph about her situation. Just imagine that conversation! Mary endured a full pregnancy. She felt the baby kick. She nurtured a special life inside of her. She shared an amazing bond with Jesus. Joseph so strongly stayed by her side even amongst probable public ridicule. Joseph led them to the place where prophecy would be fulfilled. Joseph took care of the extremely pregnant Mary during the entire trip to the birthplace of Christ. And more than likely, Joseph assisted in the delivery of the baby. With no other material but the swaddling cloths, Joseph and Mary wrapped Jesus in what was meant for the end of life, not the beginning.
Can you imagine it yet? The stable had probably very little airflow and the animals smell very pungent. The labor pains are intense and Joseph has to remain calm for Mary’s sake. There’s very little light and the best comfort Joseph can provide at the moment is a little bit of hay spread out on the dirty earthen floor. Mary is in obvious pain that is becoming more forcible by the moment.
But then Joseph is holding the baby in his arms. Jesus is here and He’s so little, so alert, and seems so helpless. He is perfect–ten toes and ten fingers, big eyes, button nose. So innocent looking. So frail. Joseph begins to visualize how he will watch this baby grow up. He will help him take his first steps. He will rejoice when he says his first words. He will cheer him on when he does good. He will teach him carpentry. He will train him in the ways of God. He will raise this child God has entrusted to Mary and him.
When I begin to imagine the story this way, I begin to remind myself that this is not just another sweet childhood story. This story actually happened and there is real life that was lived that went unrecorded in the few short chapters of Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. These were ordinary people living out an extraordinary purpose for God being guided by Him day by day.
This Christmas I don’t want to be awed by the sweetness of the story of the birth of Christ. This Christmas I want to see the story in a fresh light. I want to revel in the unwritten details and make this story real to me. I want to dwell on the revelation that God used ordinary people and interrupted ordinary circumstances to bring about extraordinary change in the world. This is our Savior. This is our King. This is Jesus.
May this Christmas be so special for you and may God teach you something new even now about His love for you.
O come all ye faithful
Bow before our Savior.
Come let us adore
The One who came for us.
Glory in the highest!
Praise the name of Jesus!
Our King has come!
{Elevation Worship}
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