And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. Luke 2:7
Christmas is about sharing moments and making memories. I try every year to organize meaningful moments with my kids to create lasting memories. Growing up I have many fond memories of Christmas, but the one that stands out the most is not what my parents did for me but what they did for others.
One Christmas there was a terrible snow storm in our region and the snow came quickly and fast, leaving a few families stranded in our small town. My farmer dad was out plowing the snow in the area. He shook up our Christmas by bringing some of those strangers home. After the initial shock, I saw my mother shine with gracious hospitality as she made them feel at home. She even allowed the man to smoke in our home and provided him with a homemade ashtray made from a tin “Jiffy” peanut butter lid. As a young and impressionable child, I always remember that Christmas as being full of warmth and love, sharing our home and Christmas with strangers.
There was no snow storm in Bethlehem the night Jesus was born, only a storm of people coming to be counted. There was no room in the inn, but there was an imperfect place in a stable. Mary and Joseph configured a manger as a bed for baby Jesus. For many, this can be a shocking place to find a king to be born. For me, I see God shining forth the warmth of His love. A place for all to come, see and find rest. Christmas is not about the perfect home or the perfect family. Christmas is a place to find hope and love in the arms of Jesus – in a manger and on the cross.
This season may our hearts be open to see that Christmas is all and only about the love of God for us and others. Finding this treasure in shocking places, a baby in a manger or a home filled with strangers. Going out and sharing oneself with others not expecting anything in return. Opening one’s heart and home to let the love and warmth of Jesus shine in.
A Very Mary and Joseph Christmas
Home. Love. Hope.
How will I be sharing the love and warmth of Christmas with others?