As we progress rapidly into the period of Advent and then onto Christmas, life for me is getting quite hectic. I am busily preparing for Carols on the Green (Tue 21st Dec), the Walking Nativity (Fri 17th Dec), Christmas Day services (now what day is that?), TST kids Christmas Special (Sat 18th). I need to pick up the mother-in-law, do some Christmas Shopping, (food & presents), write the Christmas Cards (nearly forgot that one), wrap the presents, decorate & dog proof a Christmas tree. Oh! Must remember to decorate the Vine Centre too. The run up to Christmas is chaos. It would be easy to wish for a quieter advent and Christmas, but I had that enforced last year and like many, I missed the opportunities to gather as family and friends. Most of all I missed the business. So, I am not going to complain about being back to normal or back to the chaos that is the lead up to Christmas.
Besides, it has always been that way right from the very start. A call to census interrupted the lives of a certain carpenter and his young bride. It wasn’t expected and the taxes that would follow would not be welcome. It wasn’t convenient especially with Mary in ‘her condition’ and with all the things that needed to be done; Joseph’s work, preparations for a new baby but the decree was the decree. The first Christmas commute took place by foot and by donkey, at least they didn’t have the M25 to deal with. Arriving at the town of Josephs family the search for a location to stay began with no guest rooms available – more stress. Finally, a room was found, not decorated, not plush but a room all the same.
The distance from Cherry Willingham to Bethlehem is exactly 3,169.3 miles (via the A3, Europe, Turkey and the middle east). This year Bethlehem will come to Cherry Fields as part of the walking Nativity. I remember two years ago as we concluded the first Walking Nativity, not knowing quite what to expect, a hush descended as the ‘stand-in’ Mary and Joseph were surrounded by children attending the event dressed as shepherds, angels, sheep and magi; a nativity scene took shape. A palpable sense of peace was present as parents filed past to take a photo or record a video clip.
There were no cameras in Bethlehem 2000 plus years ago, which in some ways is good as I know it would call the historical accuracy of an old bus shelter being the stable into question. If cameras had been invented, I am pretty sure they would have captured a scene of stillness and peace that came after the journey, after the stress, after the birth. It would show a scene of stillness as Shepherds came to find Jesus as a new-born. For me, this the best part about this time of year. I love the hustle and bustle, the meeting of friends and family but cherish finding those moments of peace and stillness that point to something bigger than the business of the season. For me, that bigger thing is Jesus, for you it may just be the time to stop and think. Whichever it is, I pray that this Christmas will be somewhat more normal (whatever that means for you) and that you will have time to stop and rest amongst the chaos.
