The Vicar’s Letter
“So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem, the town of David.” Luke Chapter 2 verse 4.
My wife was working as a midwife before our first children were born and often used to come home from work and tell me another baby was born during her shift and I can never remember her talking about any problems during the births -so I tended to think it was all natural and straightforward! When our first child was about to be born she rang me at work to say things were beginning to happen so not to be late home from work! So I signed my post, dealt with a few phone calls, stopped to get some petrol and was met by frantic scenes when I rolled up at home! We hurried off to Malmesbury hospital, cut a few corners en route and the baby was born within half an hour of us arriving!
So I can have some sympathy with Mary and Joseph when they heard that the Roman tyrants announced that a census was to be taken of the entire Roman Empire which meant that they had to trek eighty miles when Mary was heavily pregnant. It was the last thing Mary needed and the only comfort Joseph was able to give her was that she could ride the donkey! We don’t get the impression that Mary grumbled. Perhaps, when Mary and Joseph remembered the prophecy which foretold that the Messiah would be born in Bethlehem (Micah Ch. 5 verse 2) they realised that God was behind this sudden change of plan!
Bethlehem was only a village, although with all the visitors for the census, it was probably a noisy, heaving place with all the rooms taken and “how still we see thee lie” and “How silently, how silently” as we enjoy singing in the much-loved carol were probably the last thoughts that would have occurred to Mary and Joseph as they approached Bethlehem. We get the impression that once the stable or cave by the inn was found it was not long before Mary had her baby who they wrapped in swaddling cloths and laid him in an animal feeding trough.
Who would have thought that God would have chosen such a lowly place for the birth of his son?!. Quite incredible! Given the events leading to and after this birth it is no wonder angels, shepherds and Wise Men all wanted to pay homage to the baby.
It is always a huge encouragement for me over the Christmas period as I see so many coming to our churches to pay homage to our Lord Jesus Christ. We in St George’s have opportunities to do just that through some special services we will have over the next month. With the Christmas Family service on the 18th at 9.30am with a Little Angels telling the nativity story (bring tissues!)the Town Carol service of lessons and carols on the 18th at 6.00pm, our Christingle service on Christmas Eve at 4.00pm followed by Midnight Mass at 11.00pm and our family Communion service on Christmas Day at 9.30am. As we remember Him, our own Christmas becomes even more memorable. I wish everyone a joyous Christmas and a very Happy New Year!
With Love,
Stephen