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And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. In that region there were shepherds living in the fields, keeping watch over their flock by night. Then an angel of the Lord stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for see—I am bringing you good news of great joy for all the people: to you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign for you: you will find a child wrapped in bands of cloth and 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 heaven, and on earth peace among those whom he favors!” When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go now to Bethlehem and see this thing that has taken place, which the Lord has made known to us.” So, they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the child lying in the manger. When they saw this, they made known what had been told them about this child; and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds told them. (Luke 2: 7-18) Reflection Imagine the uncomfortable conversation between the innkeeper and Joseph. “I know it’s a crowded night in town. But please. She’s pregnant. And tired. Isn’t there anything you can do?” “Look mister, I’ve even rented out my own room, and I’m sitting up at the front desk all night. I’m not trying to be inhospitable: I literally have nothing to offer you. I mean…unless you feel like sleeping out with the cows, but I doubt the Mrs. would like that, right?” He laughed awkwardly. Joseph had been to a few inns already, all with the same answer. This innkeeper was the only one who even jokingly suggested that there was space. And from where Joseph stood, that stable looked warm. And it had a roof. And it was better than asking Mary to fall asleep atop a donkey. It took less than ten minutes to get Mary and the donkey into the barn, gently help Mary down from her perch, and find a large pile of hay where she could rest. She chuckled as she wondered aloud what it would be like if the baby came tonight. The cows didn’t seem to mind the company and the donkey fell asleep in no time. Joseph sighed a long sigh as he covered his beloved with a blanket. They had made it this far. They were safe for the night, so he laid down to get some rest. They’d get done with the census tomorrow and be back home in time for Mary to have the baby with her family nearby for help and comfort. It was all planned out. He didn’t know how long he had been asleep, but he awoke to an urgency in Mary’s voice. “It’s happening,” she said. + --Sarah Hershberger Prayer O God, we marvel at the gifts you have given us in creation. Make us faithful stewards of this part of creation that we live in. Help us as we care for the environment and use it to your glory. Amen. Our devotions are based on this Sunday’s Revised Common Lectionary (RCL). The RCL is a three-year cycle of readings telling the story of our Christian faith and corresponding to the season church calendar. On any given Sunday, we are hearing and praying and examining the same Scripture with millions of Christians around the world. In our current Year C, the Old Testament readings progress through the Prophets and have the theme of the day that it is connected to the Gospel reading. The Psalm, a song the congregation sings in response to the Old Testament reading, most often corresponds to the theme of the Hebrew Lessons and/or that of the Gospel Lesson. The lesson from the Epistles or from Acts typifies the church’s focus on the meaning of Christ for today. The Gospel lesson is connected to the season of the Church Year. This year, our gospel readings are from Luke, who writes that Jesus is the universal Savior and the perfect Son of Man. In the current season of Christmas focuses on God within our lives. Our devotions this year were developed to look at the parts of the nativity scene.
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