I find the Bible's texts about what happened before, during and after the birth of Jesus very fascinating. However, it's easy to think "I've heard this before" or "I know this". That's why I try to find new angles, see it from other sides. Then there's often something new, and it comes alive anyway.

This year I've been thinking a lot about all the drama, all the tension, in this story of Jesus coming into the world.

Has there ever been so many angels on a mission with important greetings from God? Zechariah, Mary, Joseph, the shepherds... Not to mention a heavenly host?

It is the story of young Maria, who is about to give birth, but first has to embark on a long journey with her fiancé. They are traveling without a hotel reservation, as online booking was not an option back then. And when they arrive, everywhere is full. It's the story of a governor who wants to count everyone so he knows how many taxpayers there are in his kingdom. The aim is to fleece them for more taxes. About long-distance travelers from the East who embark on the journey of a lifetime, based on star sightings and a belief that they will have a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Who gets the opportunity to worship a new king in a foreign land, anyway? Who gets to personally deliver gifts to someone so important that a star of their own shines for them when they come into the world?

And the story of a king who becomes afraid of his position and decides to take drastic action to protect the throne.

It is the story of how God speaks to ordinary people through dreams, and of angels singing to those who are on night watch in the fields, away from the noise of the city. Outside the rest of life. Lowest on the ladder.

While the main character himself sleeps on his mother's lap, oblivious to everything going on around him. But maybe he hears the angel song? He has willingly left everything at home. Not just been sent, but made a choice himself. He gave up everything he had of heaven's access and fellowship with the others in the Trinity. To come to our world as a vulnerable little child. With the limitations of being human. And with a difficult mission ahead of him one day.

Yes, Jesus came as a vulnerable little child. But he was powerful enough that they came from far and wide to worship him and give him expensive gifts. Gifts that, by the way, must have helped the little family when they had to leave in a hurry as refugees to Egypt.

And he was dangerous enough that Herod wanted to kill him.

Let us do as the sages did: Bow the knee and pay homage to the King. We may not have gold or other valuables to give him. But we can give ourselves. As he gave himself when he came into this world, and later when he died for us on the cross.

Blessed Christmas!

- Ingfrid Mundal, Bodø 21/12-23

Photo by Dan Kiefer on Unsplash.com

"Let us do as the sages did: bow the knee and pay homage to the King."