Magazine for February 2010
The Road to Bethlehem
There, draped in purple satin, sat a box wrapped in black with gold stars and surrounded by assorted Christmassy items. Was this a new exhibition by an artist at the Tate Modern or the Royal Academy? No, we were at Offa House, experiencing a Quiet Day led by Marie Calvert. The theme was “The Road to Bethlehem”.
What was this special gift? We had to clear all the stuff to find out. How does God come to us? When the angel Gabriel gave Mary a divine message, the effect of which would be socially devastating, she felt troubled at first, then demonstrated willingness and obedience. Joseph after a God–given dream was also convinced and was obedient. As we hear what God asks of us we too are often troubled. Sometimes like Joseph, it can be difficult to discern the Lord’s hand in circumstances.
What was impeding us opening the gift? Slavery to tradition, false expectations and sense of responsibility to provide all the trappings of Christmas can weigh us down.
This year, I resisted buying a Yuletide log, the Christmas cake was small and homemade and we only went to one Santa’s grotto. I also realised that teachers don’t expect Christmas gifts. Progress!
But perhaps we relate to the Christmas story as if enclosed in a sparkly snowstorm globe? Certainly, I have always loved fairy lights, allowing them to arouse childhood memories, magical images of wonderland….
Perhaps our lives are over-stuffed, and not necessarily by Paxo. Do we need space? I do. The panic as Christmas approaches as cards remain unwritten, the gifts not yet bought or wrapped… Is Christmas all about outer sparkle like tinsel? Yes, tinsel plays its part, as I put on an acceptable face, smile to deny failure and loss inside, or buy when in financial grief.
How do we come to God? As the extra things had been removed we clearly saw the box beneath the black satin. Marie lifted the shiny fabric off, spread it out, pulled the gold paper away, opened up and produced a nativity set.
With whom do we most identify, and what do we bring to God? I identify with the Magi who arrived two years later, questioning, having taken a long route, just as I have done in my life. Whenever I have been excitable and impulsive I have rushed at once, usually to the wrong place, unlike the shepherds. It took me many years to come to Christ and accept him into my heart. Like the angels, through my singing, love of music and writing, I desire to communicate God’s message.
Again the floor arrangement had changed. Upon a purple draped cross, the nativity set on the gift box was covered in black satin with silver stars. Around it were clouds of glory, white organza with gold stars and placed upon the arms of the cross were burning nightlights. Before the clouds of glory was an arrangement of four gold stars.
What is it that God wants to grow in us? With the insights I gained that day, I feel I might write for those who are marginalised and overlooked. Finally, all of us might look into our imagination and hold the infant Jesus in our arms. “Come God-With-Us.”
Sheila Robinson