Untraditional Addition

Today in church (Real life Fellowship), which may be the most encouraging multi-site church with the most compassionate and outreaching vision that I have ever attended, we spoke of Christmas. This is going to be my last Sunday living in Corpus, which also means it will be my last session physically at this location of this tremendous fellowship. I've loved it and I hope to find something I love just as much in College Station.

Pastor Micah Davidson spoke of the first Christmas, and I, having played Mary in a live nativity scene had placed myself immediately in her shoes. He provided biblical reference to Luke 2:1-14 discovering that the situation we imagine each year may not be so.

With verse 1 came difficulty. Jesus was brought into a place that was difficult. The Roman Emperor, believing himself to be of a divine power, plotted out an idea to begin taxing the Romans.

Verses 3-4 brought risk. Due to the new taxation, the Roman people were demanded to return to their place of birth to be counted and registered to be taxed. Joseph and Mary were forced to travel over 80 miles to go from their current place in the town of Nazareth into the village of Joseph's ancestor David, which was Bethlehem. This trip may have taken Joseph 4 days alone but he was accompanied by Mary who was 9 months pregnant and could go into labor at any time, which is the reason this trip is especially risky.

Mary and Joseph were misunderstood, represented in verse 5. Joseph who had initially not believed that Mary was a virgin when being informed of her pregnancy had wanted to break off his pledge with her (engagement). Joseph was visited by an Angel, immediately turning him into a believer of Mary's courageous story. Although angels visited Mary and Joseph, the earthly parents of the world's Savior, no one else received angelic company, causing them to be ridiculed and made out to be fools and liars.

This trip and the search of a shelter to birth Jesus was stressful, lonely and dark. They were told multiple times along their journey that there was no room for them, which forced them into a barn.

Imagine the smells, lack of medical stability and support of doctors, nurses, anyone but a scared, shocked, overwhelmed Joseph. And then the overwhelming peace as Jesus, the Son of God is born into the world to live as a man before he dies to rise again and save the world.


Why was our Savior born in the darkest part of the year? 
Genuinely, I would like to know the answer to the question.

We wrapped up the comparisons of common beliefs of nativity scene stories and the reality of the journey Mary, Joseph and the birth of Jesus was in actuality by relating ourselves to one of two categories.

Category #1: I need good news. (v. 10-14)
JOY, HOPE, PEACE
The Angel said to them, "Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord. This will be a sign to you You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
"Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace to men on whom His favor rests."
Luke 2:10-14


Or category #2: I have good news to share, which is the category I placed myself in.
When they had seen Him, they spread the word concerning what had been told to them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them.
Luke 2:17-18

Then we left with a final challenge on our hearts and minds:

What could you build into your family tradition to make a difference this year?

How will you share good news?