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Part 3: A Modern Nativity
As morning dawned a shearing hand came to see that all was ready for the gang once Christmas celebrations were over. She could not believe her eyes as she saw the baby lying on the straw next to the proud parents. She started as if to speak but no words came. Without a word she turned and ran off. A short time later she was back with the whole gang. Some looked a bit worse for the festivities the night before but all looked with amazement at the sight of the happy family surrounded by sheep. Before long the relatives emerged from the house and each showed their joy at the unexpected arrival. Uncle Zack made noises about “in his day” things would have been done differently and Mary's younger brother, John, tried to put on an air that he wasn't moved at all - not that anyone believed him. Mary's Mum insisted they come into the house. “You can have John's room,” she said. This brought the inevitable protest from John but everyone knew that he was secretly pleased.
A few days later the family were preparing to go to Church. Mary and Joe said they wanted to come too. It was important for them to give thanks for the safe arrival of their boy. After some token objections from Mary's mum it was agreed and a convoy of cars made it down the hill to the Union Church. During the service the Minister asked if anyone had anything to share with the church family. Mary's mum got up and with pride in her voice said they had a new grandson born on Christmas night. After she had told the story Mary and Joe went forward saying they intended to call the baby Simon after Mary's father. The Minister gave thanks for the new born and prayed for strength and wisdom for the parents. At the end of the service an old woman approached. Ann had been part of the community as long as anyone could remember. She asked if she could hold the baby. As she whispered a prayer all sensed a real connection between the woman and the baby. Mary took the baby back and as Ann left they could hear her telling everyone about the miracle of the new baby.
When the family returned to the farm they found that Dad had taken a turn for the worse. The doctor had been called but there was nothing to be done. Mary went in with the new baby and told her Dad of the decision to name the baby after him. Old Simon took the new Simon in his frail arms and a tear ran down his face. “Now I am ready to go,” he said, “Now I am at peace.” And soon after he died.
That night in the fields near Bethlehem some shepherds were guarding their sheep. All at once an angel came down to them from the Lord, and the brightness of the Lord's glory flashed around them. The shepherds were frightened. But the angel said, "Don't be afraid! I have good news for you, which will make everyone happy. This very day in King David's home town a Saviour was born for you. He is Christ the Lord. You will know who he is, because you will find him dressed in baby clothes and lying on a bed of hay." Luke 2:8-12
Shepherds and farmers
In biblical times the shepherds were not well thought of indeed were shunned by polite society. Yet it is to these that the angel host brings the message of peace and goodwill.
Shepherds Luke 2:8-20
- Why are the shepherds afraid?
- Why do you think the message of Jesus birth is brought to such disreputable people?
In my story the shearing gang seemed an appropriate group who would be on hand to first see the baby.
- What groups are shunned by society?
- Which groups that would be told the Good News today?
Church Rites
In Jewish tradition the baby is to be circumcised 8 days after birth as long as it is healthy. It is then that the baby is given the name Jesus. The rite of purification is to cleanse the mother from the childbirth and takes place about a month after the circumcision. The fact that Mary and Joseph offered two doves or pigeons shows that they could not afford a lamb. The presentation at the temple is also a chance to dedicate the new infant. This was seen in Jewish eyes as a giving back of the first born to God.
Exodus 13:2; Leviticus 12:1-8; Luke 21-24
The traditions may seem strange to us but then some of our traditions may seem strange to others.
- What is your reaction to the rites the family would have gone through?
In my story I have the family go to church soon after Christmas. There they give thanks for their new child.
- What rites do we have for young children?
- How can we thank God for the gift of a new baby?
Revered Church folk
Simeon and Anna seem to have been at the temple as part of their usual routine. They would have seen many babies dedicated and their mothers cleansed.
Luke 2:25-38
- What made this baby so special?
- What did they say about it?
I took some liberties in the story making Simeon the baby's grandfather and shifting the scene back home. But in every congregation there are Annas and Simeons.
- Who do you see as those who are the wise and respected ones in your congregation?
- Who can see beyond the everyday event?