Emotions around the Manger
As most preachers do at this time of year, I have been focused on the biblical texts surrounding the birth of Jesus Christ. Each year we are limited to the same texts yet it is amazing how fresh they are in each season.
This year I have been captivated by the emotions surrounding the manger. Fear is a prevalent emotion. Joseph, Mary and the Shepherds are told that they should not be afraid. Uncertainty turns to joy which evolves into treasured memories in Mary’s heart. The sociologically irrelevant become the great story tellers in Bethlehem and Jerusalem.
It is fitting that emotion is so deep in the nativity story. Mary’s life was at stake. Joseph’s honor was at stake. The Magi’s reputation was at stake. Would Simeon and Anna actually see the Lord before they died or was their vision nothing more than an undigested bit of beef akin to what Ebenezer Scrooge surmised?
One thing is clear as you approach the metaphorical manger this Christmas, whatever emotion you bring finds a place to relate at the feet of Jesus. Your emotions connect to the heart of God through the experiences of Jesus. The challenges that you face are ones that Mary and Joseph faced. You can enter into the Christmas season knowing that your emotions are not experienced in a vacuum.
However, we find more than simple sympathy around the manger. This Christmas manger does more than give us a sigh of relief that our emotions are felt by others. No, there is victory to be found around the manger. If Mary can move from fear to joy to treasured memories then we too can take that same journey. I don’t know how your fear will find its way to joy then on to treasured memories but I do know that Jesus will lead you on that journey.
How do I know? It is because we celebrate Advent, the season of waiting. We await the return of Christ when every tear will be wiped from our eyes, there will be no more sorrow and there will be no more pain. Advent reminds me that Jesus came to earth. However, it also reminds me that He is coming again.
There is victory for you around the manger. There is hope for you around the manger. It is my prayer that you find a new connection with Christ this Christmas. Merry Christmas and Advent Blessings!