Friday, December 22, 2023

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child.  And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.  Luke 2:4-7 (English Standard Version)

Illustrated by Claire Overcash, age 10

This brief account of Jesus’ birth raises some important questions, such as: is there room for the Christ child in our hearts and who we will choose to make room for this Christmas? Each of us, like the innkeeper, must ultimately discern whether there is room or not and if so, how much room in our lives are we willing to make for Christ? Additionally, we must discern whether we will make room in our hearts for all God’s children to be welcomed, embraced, and loved.

This second question reminds me of a ritual that I learned about during seminary that occurs in Advent within the Mission District of San Francisco called “Las Posadas.” Each Advent, children and adults of this district reenact the story of Joseph seeking lodging for his young wife, Mary. At each station they go to, they request the need for shelter, or “posada,” but face rejection every time. However, on the ninth night, Christmas Eve, Joseph’s request moves the heart of an innkeeper, who offers the young couple all that he has left. This humble place is enhanced by the love with which the innkeeper offers it and becomes the birthplace of Jesus. This reenacting of the Christmas story for the community of Las Posadas is a powerful ritual in which they experience rejection and welcome, in slamming the door on the needy and opening it wide; however, it also addresses a painful reality. The reality it addresses is the reality of human need and exclusion as many of the participants were once refugees themselves and were remembering their own experience as strangers. It is through this ritual that they are renewed in their faith in what it means to make room in their hearts and lives   Christ’s coming, which also includes making room for our neighbors. So, I invite you to ponder these questions:

• How will you make room for Christ this Christmas season? What changes will you make in your life to make room for the Christ child?
• How will you make room for others this Christmas season? How will you make room for love – to be able to respond in love to our neighbors both in our community of Charlotte and around the world, this Christmas?

Loving God, we thank you for the gift of Christ. As we journey toward Christmas, help us open our hearts and lives to more fully rely on and trust Christ, and always be assured of Christ’s constant presence with us. May your Holy Spirit guide us in how we can be sensitive to the needs of others and embrace them with love, care, justice, and support. Reveal to us how we can share the hope, peace, joy and love of Christmas with others. Amen.

Rev. Lindsey Odom, Associate Pastor of Youth & Missions/Outreach