The Christmas story and season is really a story of the unexpected.
1. God comes to earth? Yes, that is true. God, from heaven, came and took his place within the womb of a woman named Mary. Conceived through the Holy Spirit, Joseph has to come to grips, through the message of an angel, that his wife has not been unfaithful. We look for words of wisdom from this poor carpenter in the pages of the Bible yet not a word is quoted of Saint Joseph.
2. Shepherds herald the good news. Yes, stinky shepherds are the first to proclaim the Christ-child. Why shepherds? We know the intention of Herod, to kill the Christ-child; thus, King Herod would never announce the birth of another king. As for shepherds, what do they have to hide? Nothing. Too, it is shepherds, not a single shepherd, meaning there is more credibility in many voices.
3. John the Baptist baptizing Jesus? That is what the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord teaches. John insisted that it not happen; however, the voice of Jesus intervenes, "Allow it now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness" (Matthew 3:15).
4. God born in a stable and laid in a manger? That is what we teach (cf. Luke 2:7).
5. As for the men from the east, we really are uncertain of what they were. Magi? Kings? Astrologers? Yet, they come. We know their story - they arrive from the east following a star, inquire of King Herod, lay their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh at the feet of the Christ-child, and return home by another route. To their story, there is something I believe we miss. Imagine in their travels the bitter cold of crossing the mountains of Persia, the expenses it took to stay in inns and feed the camels. Was there hunger? Sleepless nights? Possibly. Still, they persisted and were rewarded with the gift of all gifts - the beauty of God.
All of this is a lesson for this Christmas season. God takes the unexpected and makes it exceptional.
God's blessing's! Father Peter Schuster
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