Luke 2:7 (Mary) gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the (guest room.)
Nowadays we often throw baby showers to help the new mom setup her house for the baby’s arrival. The front room gets jammed with a crib, and diapers, and a stroller, and a car seat. And sippy cups, Bumbo seats, anti-skid nap time blankets, infra-red monitors that see through the dark, onesies that wick away sweat, more blankets, more onesies…and well you get the picture.
Eye-witnesses say Mary wrapped Jesus in “cloths.” It’s difficult to imagine the simplicity of the era. What did Mary have to offer Jesus? Wool that came from the shorn sheep just over the hill. Hay that they fed the animals with for bedding. And…? She had her own warmth to snuggle him quietly in the chilling mountain air. They had their family conversations and laughter. They had a team to figure out their problems. They had community and nurture. They could face the struggles together.
God doesn’t ask for much really. He comes in unpresuming. He doesn’t need rubber pads and Bumbo seats. He doesn't need a gilded limousine. He doesn’t start with the prestige and notoriety. The Glorious King slips into the crowd as one of us. He passes off as a craftsman with callous hands. When he grows up he seeks out the lost leaper who has nothing to live for. He teaches the women who have no official status or Torah schooling. While he’s young he looks like anyone else’s boy next door. There is no prejudice for upper class niceties and five star meals. Jesus gets the mule’s lunch box for a cradle, and he gets family! He faces our struggles with us.
It’s difficult to underestimate the humility of the King of Heaven coming to the poor family in the run-down part of the neighborhood. He made himself truly vulnerable—at risk without them. He needed their gifts and friendship, and welcomed them as his own. The poor family only has wool cloth and relationships. That’s all he really wants—is your meager offering and companionship! He doesn’t need your talent, or your wealth. He doesn’t need your high-status importance. That’s not important. He came to share your struggles with you. He came for the hay and the tears and the laughter and the opportunity just to be there.
Ever since Eden God has desired to dwell with us. Walk in the garden with us. Walk among the camp with us. Share the struggle with us. The cross and resurrection of Jesus deal with a pretty nasty impediment—sin and the stiff arm of self-sufficiency. But always his goal was to restore togetherness; “I will never leave you or forsake you.”
This Christmas don’t forget to spend time with Jesus. He came back for us. He slipped in the door to share the struggle and the joy of life with us. He is truly a companion. He’s home for the holiday; his presence among us is the miracle and gift! So don’t bother with not being as talented as your coworker, or as affluent as your neighbor. Don’t feel disqualified by your lack of social rank, or because you don’t feel like you accomplish enough. This Christmas offer Jesus your cloth wrappings and friendship. He loves tiny towns and humble people. If it's all you have he’s happy with cloth remnants and a hay box as long as he has your heart!
Tags: incarnation, friendship, struggle, nativity, god with us, emmanuel
