In all of the commotion that happens in the Christmas story, it is easy to miss one of history’s most understated lines, “she gave birth” (Luke 2:7)… We may recall Caesar Augustus’ decree. We might remember how we felt when Joseph and a very pregnant Mary were away by the inn keeper. Undoubtedly, we have yawned with the shepherds “keeping watch over their flocks at night” (2:8). Perhaps, we joined the heavenly hosts singing of the birth of Christ into our world. Maybe like Mary, we too have pondered all of events in the shepherd’s report and “treasured them” in our hearts. Yet, the moment all the earth has been waiting for is merely glossed over in Luke’s telling of that first Christmas.
Hidden within the Christmas story, we are told of Christ’s birth after the fact. Luke writes Mary “gave birth” (2:7). The angel’s announcement to the shepherd’s was in the past tense, “Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you” (2:11). We are never told how long Mary’s labor took or if Jesus was born breached. Like the moment of the resurrection, Jesus’ birth happened off screen. In fact, that is the scene (probably for good measure) left out of children Christmas pageants. Mary is plump with an oversized pillow under her gown. The scene changes and a thin Mary reappears with Jesus lying in a manger.
In Grasping God’s Word, authors J. Scott Duvall and J. Daniel Hays tell of a Christmas pageant in Dilla, Ethiopia. The church was jammed packed with people, the room was dark as Joseph and Mary wandered in, except the couple “did not travel alone” (138). Atypical to many of the Christmas pageants we have witnessed, the Ethiopians accompanied the holy couple with “over a dozen aunts and female cousins” (138). In other words, a very pregnant Mary had a team of midwives to help bring new life into the world. While the presence of midwives is not mentioned in Luke’s gospel, it is easy to see how they may have been present.
Today I am drawn to the simple words, “She gave birth” (Luke 2:7)… I was in the room for the birth of my children. My role was limited to mere amazement, as the doctor and nurses sprang into action in that wondrously tender and precious moment. However, this year I want to invite you into a makeshift delivery room of the ancient world. If Christmas is to be meaningful, we must accompany Mary as modern-day midwives, as we reenact the Christmas story. We are the ones kneeling on the floor in front of Mary encouraging her to breathe and push. From the vantage point, we can see both Mary’s face and the emerging Christ child. Our role as midwives is hard messy life-giving work, that helps to turn profound suffering into profound joy.
Midwives perform many tasks: wiping the mucus from the baby’s mouth and nose, allowing the baby to gasp its first breath, tying and cutting the umbilical cord, bathing and swaddling the infant from head to toe (to name only a few). Your presence is needed as we prepare to celebrate the joy of Christ’s birth. During this season, please keep all the spiritual midwives in your prayer— that we might together assist Mary in the birth of her Son. Your presence is requested at the stable were together we will help to deliver the very one who will deliver us. Our Christmas Eve candlelight service is at 7pm, we will sing some of the beloved carols, read the Christmas story, and celebrate the birth of Christ.
Christmas Blessings,
Advent Schedule
December 1 – First Sunday of Advent – Communion
December 8 – Second Sunday of Advent
December 15 – Third Sunday of Advent
December 22 – Fourth Sunday of Advent – Cantata
Combined 10 am service (No Sunday School)
December 24 – 7pm Candle light Service
11 pm Service – Eason Hall
Christmas Week
Open 9 -Noon on Dec 24
Office closed December 25
Open 9 – Noon on December 26, 27, 31
December 29 – combined 10 am Fireside Service (No Sunday School)
Bring cookies to share
All 2019 giving is due by Tuesday, December 31 at noon
Office closed January 1, 2020