Advent Continues – December 23

In those days a decree went out from the Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria.  All went to their own towns to be registered.  Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David.  He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child.  While they were there the time came for her to deliver her child.  And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.
Luke 2: 1-7

Reflection:

For all our elaborate and beautiful preparations…
Trees and lights.
Candles and carols.
Star and flowers.
Decorations both here and in our homes carefully set in their assigned places.
For all of this…
The actual story of the birth of Jesus, as we read it in Luke, is strikingly simple.
Out of 32,000 verses in the Bible a mere seven describe this event.
Rather than special, this birth is more like the birth of any other and every other child than something different and unique.
And while scholars and pastors can parse words and infer meaning;
And preachers write and preach elaborate sermons;
What strikes me today is the simplicity of the story.
And, with that the reminder that that which we most long for…
Most desire…
Most need…
Is, more often than not, found in the simple.
The ordinary, everyday moments that grace our lives.
And, when we have eyes to see a star in those moments;
And ears to hear the echo of angels;
We will begin to discover God in all our other moments, as well.