This year the nativity scene was allowed space, it doesn't happen every year because at some point I decided the world would still turn and Christmas would still be wonderful without all these molded people lined up whicheverway watching the cribcradletrough. But before that, or in connection with that, I had also arrived at the conclusion how little I actually liked this conglomeration of people and animals. Sorry, don't hate me now. I like the people, love animals (hmm.. maybe that should be I love people and like the animals)
and of course the magical story of Christmas is at the center of my faith, so don't think I've lost faith and fallen off the wall and such.
It's more that this whole nativity scene-set is so out of touch with the truth that some years I just can't handle it. Well seriously, come now.
But as I started out saying, this year it found a place where everyone had space to stand, kneel, be amazed without being all cluttered and bunched up. Even the camels looked like they were outside - who'd want camel breath on their newborn??
(woops, now I wonder why this set only has two camels when there's three wise......)
Our two front windows face west and every afternoon the sun finds its way through the blind slats creating a wonderful mood in our living and dining room.
Nativity scene plus golden light... yep, loved watching that happen almost every day, it was probably the only time I payed attention to the scenery.
Skipping all the hubbub concerning the wise kings, I settled on a thought about just how far they traveled.....
How far and how long did it take them to get to their destination by camel back? About two years, if I remember right. They arrived to a little toddler, saw what they had foreseen, the newborn King, showered him with expensive gifts and then they had a long return journey ahead of them.
I just started wondering what they left behind for two years - did they know how long it would take before setting out? They were well off, but how many well-to-do people are willing to leave that, and what that all entails, behind? Not the wonderful young man that came to Jesus asking what to do to inherit eternal life in Mark 10:17-31, not Ananias and Sapphira. I know, different scenarios and such, but it was about leaving money/wealth behind.
Were they well known in society, I'd say so, sought out for advise, wisdom, insight, knowledge etc.
But they had found something in their study of the stars, they knew the scriptures and when they saw a certain star rising they knew it was a sign of the birth of Jesus, king of the Jews.
And this meant so much to them that they were willing to leave comfort, wealth, status, safety and whatnot behind for however long to pursue this amazing event and be there to show their worship, adoration and submission.
Herod lived just down the street, but couldn't be bothered to go find this child himself....
I am just left with this question to myself; what in heaven's kingdom, a kingdom that I am part of, am I willing to get up and out of my comfort to run after, to intently pursue?
And for how long.......
Let's be passionate friends - be willing to close doors to lifestyles, friends that are keeping us from running hard after Jesus. Let's be discerning what cages we have created for ourselves through religious rules that shackle us to the ground rather than give us the freedom Jesus bought for us. Let us burn with love for Him so that his name is on our lips and we are not ashamed or afraid to speak of who he is or what he has done to anyone!!
Yes, happy new year indeed.
-b
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