Soon Advent will end and Christmas will come once more.
Last night our Parish gathered and after service, we watched "The Nativity". I thought it was a beautiful description of the Incarnation. I really liked how much of the story revolved around how Joesph was so faithful to God and His plan. I try to think back to that dark night, a frightened young woman, her first Child. Darkness, who knows what kind of dangers lurking in an unfamiliar city?
As a man, I can certainly understand Joseph, his inner thoughts. Trying to help, not sure what to do... Mary crying out in pain, wanting to comfort her, the fears that must have gone through his mind. What if she dies? That is a very common thing in those days. He could not feed the Baby! He had no money to hire a wet-nurse.What a thing to be called by God to be the guardian and teacher of His son!
This dark smelly scene doesn't quite match our glorious creches
enveloped in incense during our crowded, candle lit Midnight Masses.
The gleaming Angels and Shepherds are n
ot yet arrived. Only Mary, Joseph and pain and darkness.
There is no place in our lives that Jesus hasn't been. From the fear and darkness of that first Nativity, to the heights and splendor of the Mount of Transfiguration.
Joesph found that out, God was there, all was well, Darkness fled the newborn Light.
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