There are a number of ways to move into the neighborhood. In the US, we look down the street and see a moving van unloading couches, chairs, beds and boxes - the U-Haul truck signals the arrival of a new person in the neighborhood.
My favorite Christmas scripture is John 1:14 and the Message
puts it this way: "The Word became flesh and blood and moved into the
neighborhood. We saw the glory with our
own eyes, the-one-of-a-kind glory, like Father, like Son, Generous inside and
out, true from start to finish."
I like thinking about the way that Jesus moved into the
neighborhood. Joseph and Mary wandering
around an unfamiliar town looking (begging?) for a place to stay. I picture Bethlehem residents peeking out
behind doors, seeing a very pregnant woman and her working-class husband and
deciding that they didn't have enough room. So, Jesus arrival wasn't marked by
moving vans or housewarming parties - he had to spend his first night in a
stable.
Contrast that with the reception the angels get as they look
for somebody to share the good news of Jesus' birth. They find a willing audience in some lowly
shepherds who leave their livelihoods in the care of others to come and check
out this newborn-king-in-a-manger. And
Luke's gospel tells us that they leave the stable telling anyone they can find
about what they have just seen and heard.
Jesus moves into a neighborhood with little fanfare - and
most miss it completely.
The rainy season has begun in northern Mozambique. Yesterday as I shared this Christmas story
with a church here in Montepuez, I used the example of how rain water collects. Water doesn't gather in high and mighty
places... it gathers in low places. The
blessing of rain will run off the lofty and accumulate in humble settings.In order to appreciate and benefit from the fact that Jesus has moved into the neighborhood - we must be willing to be interrupted/inconvenienced and humble enough to accept Him... even if he is wrapped in rags.
Peace and goodwill,
Alan
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