Ponderings Before Christmas

an embroidered ornament

As we approach Christmas, I remember a former pastor giving the children’s sermon and sharing the story of Mary and Joseph on their way to Bethlehem. Mary, pregnant with who we know to be the Saviour, and Joseph, closing up his shop and preparing for the journey. Our pastor told about the shepherds in the field and the astrologers (wise guys who study stars) trying to figure out that new star. And each week the figures of those key players were moved forward a little closer to the ultimate destination.

It would have been a long journey on foot for the couple. How long did it take for them to travel all that way? Did Mary ride all the way or walk sometimes too? Did Joseph wear sturdy sandals? And what did they carry with them besides a change of clothes and swaddling cloths for the baby, once it arrived. They would know, surely, that the baby would come before their return to Nazareth.

They were called by census to go. It mattered not that one had to close up his shop for weeks, or that a woman was due to have a baby. The census was called and there were no excuses. No begging off or evading it. They had to show up.

If we look into biblical history, we glean more details of the travelling time and expectations. What was it really like? How did it feel for them?

Artists fill in many details for us, how it might have looked for Mary and Joseph approaching the city, perhaps at nightfall. How did the stable look? When the shepherds got the news out on the hillside, it was probably frightening on a dark night. How many visitors came to the stable? And, indeed, how did that manger look with a newborn human baby in it?

We can imagine all we like how it was for the people in that time and place, receiving the news of a Saviour. But perhaps we could focus more on our hearts and our preparation. How does it feel to know salvation is coming? How does one prepare for such a thing? From a small baby no less, and a Father in heaven who orchestrated it all?

We might well ask, as Christina Rosetti wrote in her famous poem in the late 1800s, “In the Bleak Midwinter,”

“What can I give him, poor as I am?”

And as the poem (now to a tune) concludes,

“Yet what can I give Him: give my heart.”

Those words are still good today. Yes, that is our part for this Christmas, to give our heart.

Our creche, waiting for the baby

Carolyn Wilker

 Carolyn is a writer, editor and storyteller from southwestern Ontario, where she blogs, writes a newsletter for writers and helps people tell their stories. And spends time with family and friends.

https://www.carolynwilker.ca/