Most of us have heard the story of the birth of Jesus Christ into the world. The Gospels describe it in various ways, but sometimes its meanings get lost as we repeat it in our traditions. Recently I heard a sermon explaining the nativity story from Mary's point of view, but something else just hit me tonight - one metaphorical angle that I don't remember hearing before...
Jesus was born in a stable, and it wasn't like the glittery ceramic scenes which decorate many homes and churches this time of year. A crowded and messy stable. A stable filled with noisy, smelly animals that probably just finished a long hot day of work or travel. Animals that only hoped to avoid predators and the whip. Animals, that didn't know anything better than to eat, sleep, procreate, and die in their own filth.
Those animals represent the wretched and pathetic state we all were in before our blessed Lord saved us.
"Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among men with whom He is pleased."
1 comment:
Self-reflection over the last few years has only driven home how pathetic I must have been, to be as faithful as I am (not very) and still as pathetic as I am (pretty), even after years of renovation by the Spirit.
Merrie Christmas!
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