ZPCBlog

About the author: Sarah has been a member of ZPC for 4 years. She and her husband Robert just celebrated their 10 year anniversary this past October. They have four children: Goldie (6), Beverly (6), Winnie-Kate (5), and Shep (1).  Sarah works with children on the Autism Spectrum in homes and schools in the Greater Indianapolis Area. Her family found ZPC through MOPS 5 years ago and have been blessed to grow in Christ with the friendships and fellowship of this community. 

While they were there, the time came for her to give birth. She gave birth to a son, her firstborn, she wrapped him in a blanket and laid him in a manger.      Luke 2:6-7 (MSG)

I've attended church my whole life. I went to Catholic schools for most of my education and I've heard the story of Jesus' birth many, many times. Since I was young I understood the facts: no room at the inn, Mary gave birth in a stable, Jesus was laid in a manger. I picture nativity scenes I've had since childhood with glitter and gold–humble, yet wonderful and perfect. It wasn't until a few years ago that I really pictured what it would be like to give birth in a stable. Maybe because now that I am a mother, I see the story of Jesus' birth from a new perspective. I imagine the scenery inside the stable. The sounds from the animals. The smells. The uncomfortable mess. Zero accommodations. Suddenly, I am even more grateful for my hospital experiences at IU North. Jesus was born right in the middle of a mess! Our savior, the Lord Most High, entered the world in a heap of disorder. I have come accustomed to aesthetically pleasing spaces every time I tap into my social media. "Perfection" curated by humans. Yet God, the Creator of Heaven and Earth, in all its wonder and beauty, delivered his perfect son...in a mess. There's no doubt that MUST have been deliberate. 

After the past few years of reflecting on this new perspective of Jesus' birth, I think back on the messes in my life. I picture the circumstances; how things looked, how I felt, the smells, the sounds. Then, I look for the manger. Where was Jesus? The friend who brought a meal. The family member who stayed a little longer. The kind gesture from a stranger. The overwhelming sense of peace felt when hearing a worship song during my darkest hour. Sometimes it's easier to pretend our lives are as aesthetically pleasing and perfect as our virtual worlds want us to believe. But Jesus isn't into the pretend places of our lives. He entered the world into a mess and he is comfortable in ours. We can take comfort that his perfect presence was there in our "messy seasons." And if you are currently in a "messy season," he is near. Look for the manger.  Peace be with you!

Activity:

If you have young children, recreate the story of Jesus' birth. Give everyone a special part and throw together some costumes out of materials around the house. Bring the nativity to life by acting it out. Read Luke 2:1-21 and open up discussion on the story of his birth. Have fun with it and make memories (maybe even get a little messy!).

Prayer:

Lord, we praise you for your promises. Thank you for the gift of Jesus and delivering him in a beautiful, meaningful, wonderful way. May we continue to reflect on your peace in our pain and look for the manger in our messes. AMEN!

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