Although we may still be eating leftover turkey and dressing, we all understand that the Christmas season is officially here. Time for tree trimming, cookie baking, fudge making, and gift buying and receiving — it’s part of our celebration of the birth of Jesus.
Just for a refresher, there was a pesky little taxation/census mandated by the Romans. Joseph and a very pregnant Mary made their way to Bethlehem, they couldn’t find a room, Jesus was born in a stable, the angels appeared to shepherds, the shepherds then rushed to the manger, and Mary pondered these things in her heart.
Then a super bright star lead some wise men to Jesus. First they unwisely asked King Herod the whereabouts of the new King of the Jews. Herod, a rather jealous fellow, appeared curious, but was actually furious, wanting to kill Jesus. The wise guys left Herod in a dither and continued following the star, ending up in the house where Joseph and Mary were now living to present their kingly gifts to Jesus. (According to the Bible, the wise men never made it to the manger!)
I’m sure things would have been very different if others had planned that First Noel. For instance, if the Romans had sent the census forms in the mail, it would have been so much easier. A few circles blacked in with a #2 pencil, a postage free return mailer and that census would not have been so taxing.
Also, someone should have told Joseph about call-ahead seating … er … I mean call-ahead sleeping. I mean, a little advance notice of their arrival accompanied by a small deposit would have held a first floor double so that Jesus would have a warm, dry bed in which to sleep away his first night.
As for those dirty, smelly, shepherds — why were they the recipients of the angelic announcement? They were uneducated and had dirt under their fingernails, for goodness’ sake. Not to mention sheep droppings on their sandals! I’m sure there are some who would have made sure the notification of Jesus’ birth was given to people more significant than the shepherds.
And the wise men should have been a bit more wise and taken their wives with them. The women would never have gone to one king to ask about another, for women clearly understand what it is to be jealous. The wise wives would have asked directions along the way, arrived in time to help Mary deliver the baby, made a pot of lamb stew for the shepherds’ late supper, and brought practical gifts like diapers and baby lotion for Jesus.
Thankfully, that was not God’s way of doing things. Christmas celebrated God’s way means that like Mary, we should ponder these things in our hearts. Like the shepherds, we should realize that ordinary people should worship the extraordinary Jesus. Like the wise men, our journey should take us to Jesus, bringing the best we have to offer. Like the angels, we should sing, “Glory to God in the highest.”
That, my friends is what Christmas is all about.
Verna Davis, speaker and writer, may be reached at vrdspeaks@yahoo.com.
Religion
THE JOY LADY: Like the wise men, our journey should take us to Jesus
- Religion
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Cross Lane Church accepting shoe donations
Terre Haute residents are invited to donate their shoes to help millions of peopleworldwide with a shoe drive at Cross Lane Community Church on June 2.
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The Joy Lady: A good morning: everything that rises must converge
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Unity Presbyterian plans retirement open house
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Organist will be the featured guest at church
Organist Benjamin Kolodziej will be the featured guest at an organ recital at 4 p.m. on May 19 at Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church, 645 Poplar St.
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THE JOY LADY: Call your mom; tell her you love her, that you miss her
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Celebrate the women in your life with The Living Rosary
On Friday, May 10, join the Sisters of Providence of St. Mary-of-the-Woods for The Living Rosary and experience the grace and power many people have discovered by “praying by hand.”
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THE JOY LADY: When awe leaves us, we leave room for doubt
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Good Friday service today at St. George Orthodox
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Organist’s concert May 5
Organist Jonathan Rudy will be in concert performing works from the 1600’s to the present day at 4 p.m. on Sunday at Central Presbyterian Church, 125 N. Seventh St.
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THE JOY LADY: Christ is coming again. Are you ready for that?
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THE JOY LADY: Let us pray that our hearts be blessed by God
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THE JOY LADY: You can learn a lot from a box of crayons
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- RELIGION BRIEFS: April 13, 2013
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BBQ fundraiser April 13 at Allen Chapel
Historic Allen Chapel’s annual barbecue dinner fundraiser is Saturday, April 13, in the Chapel at Third and Crawford streets. Serving will be from noon to 6 p.m. with a full-line of dinner, sandwiches, sides and desserts available. Chef Stephen Miller, formerly owner of the Black Skillet and now a caterer in Cincinnati, will again prepare the barbecue.
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THE JOY LADY: Most complaints tend to be pretty selfish
Complainers never think they are in the wrong. How could they be when they know everyone else is so wrong?
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Church briefs: April 6, 2013
What's going on this week at area churches.
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THE JOY LADY: Our attendance in worship services encourages other worshippers
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African children’s choir to perform at Mount Pleasant
The Watoto Children’s Choir, traveling from Africa, began its five-month eastern U.S. tour in Oak Bluffs, Mass., on Oct. 6 and are continuing the tour through Terre Haute, Lebanon, Indianapolis, Peru, Bloomington, Columbus, Evansville and Vevay, from April 16 to May 1. All performances are free and open to the public.
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- Religion briefs: March 30, 2013
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THE JOY LADY: Is it time to change your habits, attitudes?
I’m usually introduced to people as “the preacher’s wife.” No name, just “the preacher’s wife.” But I’d prefer being known by what I call my “I am” statements. For instance, I am a wife. I am a speaker, I am a writer. I am a mother, I am a mother-in-law, I am a grandmother.
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Public invited to explore Guerin’s connection to nature
The Sisters of Providence invite the public to St. Mary-of-the-Woods on April 6 to explore Saint Mother Theodore Guerin and her connection to nature.
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Cross Lane Church accepting shoe donations
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