Christmas in Community
Within the birth narrative of Jesus, we are told of some eastern mystics. Magi is often the traditional title. And these folks are guided by a star to the place where Jesus is born. The Greek term for Magi most often means astrologers, which makes more sense because they were known for reading the night skies. They were star people. And if we actually follow the story, we are told that they are not initially led to Bethlehem by the star. Instead, they are directed to Jerusalem where they will inquire of the location of the one who has been born king of the Jews.
Which lands them in a face to face with Herod the Great. Huh?
Because Herod has already claimed the title king of the Jews, and he tries to act and rule as such. It’s actually Herod who sends the Magi to Bethlehem from Jerusalem to look for the child, because the chief priests and teachers of Torah inform Herod that the promised Messiah will be born there. But Herod’s intention in sending the Magi to find the child is so he can kill him, because this kid is a threat to his kingdom.
It’s then that the Magi are led to find the child with his mother Mary. The timeline actually puts them 12 days after Jesus’ birth. So not at the nativity scene. Whoops.
They present their gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh, and they bow down to worship the true king. This is far more than a nice little detail to help make the scene more precious. Again, this is not at the manger for the sweet nativity scene. The gifts are incredibly practical and will be very much needed.
Earlier in the story we are told that at eight days old Jesus is circumcised, and then he is presented to the Lord in the temple, which was simply following the traditional law. But the sacrifice given by Mary and Joseph was either a pair of doves or two young pigeons. Which according to Leviticus 12, is a poor people’s sacrifice because they can’t afford a lamb.
But if they are poor, then how can they escape from Bethlehem and travel to Egypt when Herod comes hunting for the child to try and kill him? Welcome to the practicality of the gold, frankincense and myrrh, all of which carry significant value. Now the family can move and stay in Egypt until Herod dies.
Brilliant.
For the story to progress as it does, it takes an entire community. And this community is wildly diverse, a mish mash of humanity. Poor, lowly shepherds play their part. The wealthy Magi are from a foreign land, likely of a very different belief system, and they play their part. We don’t even know who it is that allows for Mary and Joseph to use their cave or animal space for the actual birth. But whoever it is they have offered room to a socially unacceptable couple who are about to have a bastard child. That’s dangerous.
This story is about a diverse, messy, and profoundly beautiful community who will make room for the Divine to take up residence with us, as one of us. Fascinating.
Because none of us can go it alone… especially this year. This Christmas, maybe more than any other, we need a diverse, creative community to hold us together.
Community isn’t an option, it’s a necessity. And diversity isn’t a maybe, but a must. A people of different backgrounds… and even beliefs. My story needs your story, which can help move our story forward.
Christmas in community. Perfect.
