While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she [Mary] gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.
— Luke 2:6-7, NIV
Have you ever noticed there’s only two sentences about the exact moment of Jesus’ birth in the entire Bible? There’s plenty of prophetic words looking forward to the event, and all kinds of details about what followed…but there’s remarkably little about the birth itself.
For some, the lack of detail is disturbing. It leaves room for imagination, maybe a bit of revisionist history, and even for doubt. The lack of detail has potential to become a stumbling block for experiencing and appreciating Christmas. It can also be seen as an invitation — to wonder, to dream, to step into the story ourselves.
Perhaps the absence of detail is not a problem to be solved, but a gift to be received. The lack of detail forces us to look beyond what was seen or heard in the nativity into the significance of it. It gives us room to celebrate, room to ask questions while remaining faithful, and room to embrace joy and awe…all while clinging to the truth that God kept His promise.
As you celebrate today, may the Story of Christmas remind you that you are loved, wherever you find yourself and with whatever questions you carry. May it remind you that the God of the universe sent His son to be with us. Emmanuel has come.
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Contact the church staff with questions or concerns: info1@wpcwestlake.org or call 818.889.1491
