After being blessed by George and receiving the gift of peace, Max and I walked to the room of an old friend, Lucille. She lives in the same retirement home. I have known her for probably twenty years.
As we enter, I see that she is involved in some private conversation. I lean in toward her boldly, letting my right hand rest on her left wrist.
I tell her who I am and remind her that we have studied the Song of Songs together, chapter by chapter. She was an intense student of the Bible and mentored those who chose to learn more of her knowledge.
I tell her that one week from today is Christmas. I wish I had come prepared to sing a carol with her. Little town of Bethlehem comes to mind. I sing what I recall of it.
Then I remember how to enter a biblical story -- imagine being present when what is recorded occurred.
I say, "Lucille. Let's think about the night Jesus was born in Bethlehem. Imagine that we are two hebrew women living near the stable where Mary was giving birth to her firstborn son. Wouldn't we feel something? Wouldn't we be moved to get up out of our chair and leave our houses until we found the source of that stirring? Wouldn't we stay and care for Mary and her baby?"
Lucille's face lights up. She loves pondering the gospel stories. I do, too.
I continue, "We take turns holding baby Jesus while Mary rests and Joseph goes out for some food. This week, as we await Christmas day, let's spend time holding the newborn Jesus."
Surely, Jesus' birth was attended by the help Mary required. Surely, this young family was enveloped into the caring family of Joseph that was gathered in Bethlehem for the census. Surely God's people felt the stirring of the Spirit and found their Savior, even before the wise ones arrived from so far away.
As you remember the story of the Holy family, what role are you drawn to play? What would you like to do for them?
As we enter, I see that she is involved in some private conversation. I lean in toward her boldly, letting my right hand rest on her left wrist.
I tell her who I am and remind her that we have studied the Song of Songs together, chapter by chapter. She was an intense student of the Bible and mentored those who chose to learn more of her knowledge.
I tell her that one week from today is Christmas. I wish I had come prepared to sing a carol with her. Little town of Bethlehem comes to mind. I sing what I recall of it.
Then I remember how to enter a biblical story -- imagine being present when what is recorded occurred.
I say, "Lucille. Let's think about the night Jesus was born in Bethlehem. Imagine that we are two hebrew women living near the stable where Mary was giving birth to her firstborn son. Wouldn't we feel something? Wouldn't we be moved to get up out of our chair and leave our houses until we found the source of that stirring? Wouldn't we stay and care for Mary and her baby?"
Lucille's face lights up. She loves pondering the gospel stories. I do, too.
I continue, "We take turns holding baby Jesus while Mary rests and Joseph goes out for some food. This week, as we await Christmas day, let's spend time holding the newborn Jesus."
Surely, Jesus' birth was attended by the help Mary required. Surely, this young family was enveloped into the caring family of Joseph that was gathered in Bethlehem for the census. Surely God's people felt the stirring of the Spirit and found their Savior, even before the wise ones arrived from so far away.
As you remember the story of the Holy family, what role are you drawn to play? What would you like to do for them?
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