At Christmas sometimes we get so hung up on the birth narrative that we forgot how the story ends - with the Resurrection. We cram the versions in the four Gospels into one contradictory narrative with various timelines. Of course, each of the Gospel writers had a different perspective of the story, so they put emphases on different aspects.
As author Ben Witherington notes, the idea that an unwed mother would get top billing in the story merely authenticates the story because it seems improbable. That often is the case in the Bible. Mary, né Miriam, follows a long line of women in the Bible who assume a prominent role despite coming from poor backgrounds. Protestants think the Catholics venerate her too much and take the focus off Jesus. But sometimes we need someone to intercede on our behalf, particularly when we’re down and out.
The narrative feeds into the conflicting world views of a life of scarcity or one of abundance. Too often we think that only in terms of material goods: rich versus poor. The Good News is that whatever our circumstances, we can live an abundant life with the help of the Holy Spirit. Folks survived the Holocaust and other horrific conditions because they controlled their minds even when they had no control over their bodies. I’m not strong on emphasizing suffering as a necessity for salvation. Luther tried it, and he settled on faith and God’s grace as the better option.
As much as we decry the commercialization of Christmas, the season does encourage a feeling of kindness and concern for others that is overlooked in ordinary times. It provides an opportunity to “step outside of ourselves” and to focus on serving rather than being served. On the other hand, I think sometimes we get too sentimental and claim that Christmas is just for the children. Sure, the stories of the shepherds and wise men and the baby Jesus are touching. We love our Christmas pageants. But the crux of the story is that the Good News came not from some Roman Caesar who imposed his will by military might, but from a helpless infant that carried the spark of divinity.
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