Scripture: Luke 2:1-20
Scripture Memory: Mark 1:4-8
John came, baptizing in the desert region and preaching a baptism of repentance for the forgiveness of sins. The whole Judean countryside and all the people of Jerusalem went out to him. Confessing their sins, they were baptized by him in the Jordan River. John wore clothing made of camel’s hair, with a leather belt around his waist, and he ate locusts and wild honey. And this was his message: “After me will come one more powerful than I, the thongs of whose sandals I am not worthy to stoop down and untie. I baptize you with water, but he will baptize you with the Holy Spirit.”
Journey: I just noticed that we have three “mini” manger scenes in our living room – all from three very different cultures. You would expect them to be different and they are in terms of architecture and dress. But in the “mood” they communicate they are surprisingly the same. All of the scenes portray a setting for the birth of Jesus that is: colorful, clean, rustic, serene – totally predictable.
Do we know better than that? Have you thought this December about how utterly scandalous it is that the “Christmas story” is about God coming into this world not only in human flesh but in a dirty, smelly, totally ‘low class’ sort of way? Have you thought about the implications of that for life? Why would God come into the world in such a disturbing, unexpected, messy manner? Born in a stable? First hours in a feeding trough?
That’s what we’ll be thinking about this morning as we look into Luke 2 and try to re-imagine the nativity and some of what it means for us.
Hoping your Christmas is filled with joy AND spiritual gravity,
Will (for the pastors)