Scripture – Luke 2:1-7, 16-20 NRSVUE
1 In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 All went to their own towns to be registered.
4 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. 5 He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child.
6 While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. 7 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 in the guest room.
16 So they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph and the child lying in the manger. 17 When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child, 18 and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them, 19 and Mary treasured all these words and pondered them in her heart. 20 The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, just as it had been told them.
From Liz Guthrie
My parents, Mary and Joseph, needed to travel from Nazareth to Bethlehem to register for Caeser Agustus’ census. It was a long journey. So many people and animals. My mother was very tired, but she didn’t complain. My father took very good care of us.
In Bethlehem, there were no rooms to be found. Eventually, my parents found a place in a stable. That’s where I was born. My parents named me Jesus. My mother wrapped me snuggly in clothes. My bed was a manger filled with straw. The cooing doves, and the animals munching on their food all lulled me to sleep.
Then something out of the ordinary happened. Shepherds came to visit us. They told stories of how afraid they were when angels appeared. They couldn’t believe the news of a Saviour being born. But they decided to come and see for themselves. The shepherds were so excited; they praised God and told everyone about my birth.
For now, I am content to be surrounded by my parents’ care and love.
Contemplation and Conversation
How did you share the news of your newborn child
or a child in your family?
What expectations did you have for this child?
Prayer
Loving God, thank you for the gift of your son, Jesus.
Help us to joyfully spread the wonder of his birth
just as the shepherds did. Amen.
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