What I’m Thinking: Birth of a Savior

Luke and all his contemporaries knew where a savior should be born – and it wasn’t in a stable. Yet that, said Luke, is the way God works.

Here’s a transcript:

“And while Mary and Joseph were in Bethlehem, the time came for her to be delivered. And she gave birth to her first born son, and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger because there was no room for him in the inn.”

It’s a strange place for a Savior to be born. Luke knew that. So did his contemporaries. Saviors, like emperors for example, are supposed to be born in grand houses and palaces, not in strange places far from home. They’re not supposed to be laid to sleep in animals’ feeding troughs. They’re supposed to be in finely decorated cradles with finely woven blankets and soft pillows.

They’re not supposed to be greeted by a band of mangy shepherds descended from the hills. Even if they did say that they had been given the news by angels, shepherds are supposed to remain at a comfortable distance, and not be found crowding into the baby’s chamber.

But no, that is how Luke tells the story of our Savior’s birth, because this is how our God works. This is how our Savior works. This is how our Holy Spirit works: amongst the folks who are in the greatest need, amongst the people who are cast aside, amongst those who are far from power and position and privilege.

Amongst those, in fact, who need to be saved.

And so, I wish you the blessings of this Savior on this Christmas, this one who comes to you not to where your arrogance says you are, not to where your pride says you are, but to where your humility and your sense of truth tell you that you are: in need of God’s embrace, of God’s compassion, of God’s love.

And that is what you will find in the child of Bethlehem.

That’s what I’m thinking. I’m curious to hear what you’re thinking. Leave me your thoughts in the comment section below; I’d love to hear from you.

Program note: the next edition of What I’m Thinking will be released on Monday, January 13. Male Kalikimaka! Hau’oli Makahiki hou!