"Who Bugged the Manger?"
There are some things about the Christmas story that can only be known from inside the story itself. Of course, this is a literary technique that is employed throughout the bible. There are portions of conversation that nobody could actually have heard. They are simply assumed.
For example, when Jesus was alone in the garden before his death and he spoke how would anyone know that he said, "Let this cup pass." or "Not my will but Thy will be done."
It is a literary technique that enables us to enter into the story when there are things said that couldn't have been heard. That doesn't mean they weren't spoken. Common sense would dictate that feeling would surely have been expressed.
The Christmas story has numerous examples of this. Shepherds in the field hearing angel voices and being sore afraid and hearing the voices say, "Be not afraid for I bring good tidings to all people. Unto us in the city of David is a savior who is Christ the Lord." Now, maybe the shepherds spoke to Mary and Joseph. Otherwise, how do we know what they heard?
What is interesting to me about the Christmas story is that part that says, "Mary kept all these things in her heart." What things did she keep in her heart?
There are some things that happen to us that take a lifetime to realize the importance. Those are the kinds of things she must have "kept in her heart".
What kinds of things do you "keep in your heart"? What events in your life are so monumental that it takes a span of years to understand them?
If you have thoughts on this write me at charlesschuster@fcfumc.net. If you are willing to have others read your thoughts click on the 'comments' box below.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Charles Schuster
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