Feast of the Nativity


FEAST OF THE NATIVITY


Mary gives birth in a stable because there were no rooms available at the inn (Luke 2:7). As far as welcomes go, this would have to rank as a limited welcome: Welcome to Bethlehem; we can’t accommodate you in the standard fashion, but we can make room for you out back, in the stable. As a result, the Holy Family has to make the best of the situation. 


This aspect of the Christmas event brings to mind an old memory. The dog from my childhood was primarily an outdoor-dog. However, when the conditions were particularly severe, I would open the back door and let him into the house. I didn’t necessarily have explicit permission; this was one of those transgressions that would typically be overlooked—as long as the dog remained in the kitchen area. 


For his part, the dog understood these boundaries. He would curl up on a rug in front of the sink. This was a safe place. He wasn’t likely to receive a scolding if he parked himself on that rug. We would have to step around him if any dishes needed to be washed. So for all practical purposes, we could say that the dog was welcome. Yet it would have to be regarded as a limited welcome. Faced with exceptional circumstances, he was allowed to enter. But he could only enter so far. 


Having focused upon the past, now let’s give some consideration to the present. Let’s assume that we all want Christmas to be something more than just an observance. If we want it to be a meaningful celebration, then we would do well to look within ourselves. Ask yourself: Have I extended a welcome to the Lord? Have I welcomed him into my life? You will probably answer by saying yes. Yes, he is welcome. 


But this begs an additional question: Just how welcome is he? Are we again being presented with the prospect of a limited welcome? He’s welcome—but he can only enter so far. I’ve established a set of boundaries. Everything will be fine, if he simply can stay where he belongs. A space has been cleared for him in the stable. Or he can curl up on the rug in front of the sink. I’m willing to accommodate him—but only to a degree. 


If this is what you’re doing, he will respect the boundaries that have been put in place. And yet, be warned; you’re not going to be satisfied with the consequences. You’re setting yourself up for a disappointment. It will occur to you that the Lord isn’t making much of a difference in your life. Maybe you’ve over-estimated him. He seems to be letting you down. Meanwhile, he’s looking down from Heaven, pleading with you: HELP ME TO HELP YOU! Allow me something more than this gesture of limited access. The extent to which you give me access determines essentially the extent to which I will make a difference in your life. 

 

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