The Nativity You Know Is A Lie

The Nativity You Know Is A Lie


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We’re all familiar with the scene. It’s a quiet, starlit evening, Mary and Joseph are reclining comfortably in a quaint country stable. Baby Jesus is sleeping, well, like a baby. As Mary and Joseph rested from their journey, reverent, orderly shepherds and noble wise men visited the happy couple and brought gifts to honor Jesus.

That picture of the first Christmas is wrong.

Not So Silent Night

If we examine the actual circumstances surrounding Jesus’s birth, we find that it wasn’t what we’ve always been told.

The 80-mile journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem would’ve taken at least four days on foot. It was a hazardous journey through rugged terrain, fields and rural towns. Mary was very pregnant, and probably under some emotional stress as a teen mom whose marriage was nearly over before it started (Matthew 1:18-21).

At that time, animal stables in Bethlehem were dark, damp caves in which livestock slept and ate. This was not a tidy, sterile environment for a newborn. The shepherds in that region were social outcasts of low economic status and were looked down on by the rest of society. It was not a calm, comfortable, silent night. It was dirty, smelly, awkward and definitely not charming.

Contrary to modern depictions, the wise men didn’t even visit Jesus immediately after His birth. They arrived at Jesus’s home when He was about 2 years old (Matthew 2:10).

Well Meaning But Wrong

Christmas carols and porcelain nativity scenes are well meaning, but they don’t do justice to the weight of the events that took place that night in the Israeli countryside.

The most important thing we should remember about Christmas is that God came to save sinners (John 3:17). Jesus came from heaven into our mess, not because we deserved it, but because we needed it.

As we celebrate Christmas, let’s remember the beautiful mess the nativity scene was. Let’s remember that no matter how messy parts of our lives can be, Jesus is for us and is with us. In the midst of our messes, Jesus joins us and begins to transform us, and that is something worth celebrating.


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In our journey through life, we often find ourselves searching for meaning, purpose, and direction. Just as a sunflower turns its face towards the sun, seeking light and nourishment, we too are called to orient ourselves towards the divine light that guides and sustains us. The sunflower serves as a powerful metaphor for our spiritual journey. Like this remarkable flower, we are meant to be diverse, generous, and life-giving. The sunflower doesn't keep its bounty to itself; it provides nourishment for birds, offers seeds for human consumption, and even produces oil for various uses. In the same way, we are called to share our gifts, talents, and resources with those around us, extending beyond ourselves to promote life and well-being in our communities. Be willing to take risks and move beyond what is familiar to grow in your faith. Challenge yourself to engage in activities that stretch your understanding and reliance on God. But what does it mean to truly live a life of faith? It's not enough to simply acknowledge the existence of God or to receive His blessings passively. We are required to take intentional steps out of our comfort zones, moving beyond what is familiar to us. This is how we open ourselves to receive the full benefits of God's kingdom and allow Him to recreate us in His divine image. The Gospel of John recounts a powerful interaction between Jesus and a crowd that had followed Him across a lake. Jesus, in His omniscience, recognized their true motives. He challenged them, saying, "I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty." (John 6:35) This statement was met with resistance, even among His disciples, who found the message harsh. Many turned away, no longer following Him. This encounter illustrates a fundamental truth: it is not enough to simply hear the word of God or to seek Him for temporary satisfaction of our earthly needs. We are called to a deeper, more transformative relationship with the Divine. We must be willing to step out in faith, even when the path seems challenging or unclear. Actively seek out ways to help those in need, regardless of their background or circumstances. Show unconditional love and compassion, especially to those who are marginalized or overlooked. In the first epistle of John, we are reminded that God is light, representing all that is good, pure, true, holy, and reliable. As children of God, we are called to walk in this light. But what does this mean in practical terms? Walking in the light means aligning ourselves with God's will and way. It means rejecting division, exclusion, and prejudgment. We cannot claim to be followers of Christ while harboring darkness in our hearts or actions. Jesus had strong words for the Pharisees who burdened people with the law but showed no compassion. He challenged their hypocrisy and called them to a higher standard of love and service. The parable of the Good Samaritan beautifully illustrates this principle. While religious leaders passed by a man in need, it was the Samaritan - someone from a marginalized group - who stopped to help. He didn't ask questions about the man's identity or background; he simply saw a fellow human in need and responded with compassion. This is the kind of love and service we are called to emulate. As we strive to live out our faith, we must remember that belief is not just a thought process. It encompasses our heart, mind, and actions. It's about living out our convictions in tangible ways that reflect God's love to the world around us. Continuously seek God's light and reflect it in your life, especially in challenging times. Be a source of hope and encouragement to others through your actions and attitudes. Consider the story of the Calendar Girls, a group of church women who were inspired by a gardener's love for sunflowers. 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May our lives be a testament to this sunflower faith - always seeking the light, always giving, always proclaiming the life-giving power of God's love.
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