At this time of year, I can’t help but hear in my mind’s ear these ancient, poetic words:
“And so it was, that, while [Mary and Joseph] were [in Bethlehem], the days were accomplished that she should be delivered.
And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.
And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, [an] angel…came upon them, and [divine] glory…shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
And the angel said unto them: ‘Fear not; for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a savior, which is Christ the Lord.
And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.’
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,
‘Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward [all]’” (Luke 2.6-14, Authorized Version).
The story shows a woman traveling while very pregnant – no doctor, no midwife, no access to medical care.
The story shows a young bride going into labor away from home, with no decent, clean place to deliver her child. She has her baby in a barn, and turns a feeding trough into his bassinet.
The story shows this temporarily homeless family being visited by shepherds, people who live and work outdoors, people without economic, social, or political power.
And the story shows these travelers, these people facing hardships, these displaced and devalued people being visited and even praised by angels.
I think the reason the story resonates so powerfully even still is that it insists that the so-called least and lowly among us have sacred value. It boldly proclaims that even at our lowest point, we matter. It symbolizes that there can be great potential and possibility even in the most unlikely of places. It is for a homeless baby surrounded by animals and outcasts that angels sing. It is for those who are hurting and afraid that the message is offered: “Fear not! Joy is for ALL people!”
When we feel unloved, abandoned, or unappreciated, that message is a comforting one. We are each connected in the Web of Life; we each contribute something to the Great Whole. For ALL people, gay and straight, cisgender and transgender, religious and non-religious, people of every nationality, ethnicity, race, class and social location, the angels sing!
Happy Holidays!
Rev. Dr. Durrell Watkins is the Senior Minister of Sunshine Cathedral in Fort Lauderdale.
Photo Credit: examiner.com
