The Birth of Jesus

Luke 2.1-20

Thursday, December 3, 2015 

            Kenneth E. Bailey, who lived and taught for sixty years (1935-1995) throughout the Middle East, wrote a book called Jesus Through Middle Eastern Eyes: Cultural Studies in the Gospels.  He contends that there are a number of “critical flaws” in the traditional understanding of the birth narrative of Jesus [25].  We will examine these “critical flaws” briefly, and then note what, if any, influence they may have on our faith during this Advent season.

Joseph was traveling to his ancestral village, and in his culture that was a very significant place where his extended family lived.    In Bethlehem he would have still been considered part of the royal lineage of King David.  As a matter of fact, this village was known as the “City of David” (Luke 2.4).  Bailey contends that Joseph and Mary would have been welcome almost anywhere in that village.  They would not have been unable to find a place to stay.  Bailey also believes that from before the time of Jesus and up until the mid-twentieth century, houses had a room for the family as well as a guest room, which is the word in Greek that is used, and not the room for “inn.”  It was the guest room in the home where they were staying that was already full, so the holy family shared the family’s space.  Moreover, all were welcome to visit Jesus there after his birth, from the rich and knowledgeable wise people to what were perceived to be scummy shepherds as well as the holy angels.  From the very beginning of His life, all were welcomed. 

Secondly, women usually surround other women who are giving birth.  Considering Joseph’s royal lineage, it would have been an “unspeakable shame” for his extended family not to offer Mary aid (26).  Thirdly, Mary’s cousin, Elizabeth, is an example of at least one relative that Mary also had in the area; there may well have been more.  Again, more options for places to stay than in a stable.  Finally, many Christians believe that Joseph could not wait to find a room for Mary because she was immediately in need of a place to give birth.  However, this is not stated in the language of the text.  Rather, this idea first appears in a Christian novel of the birth of Jesus that was written by a non-Jew two hundred years after His birth: The Protoevangelium of James.  (He was NOT the James who wrote the book bearing his name in the New Testament.)  Thus this is another “tradition” that has been challenged.  How many more things in our traditional reading of the Christmas story are there that we need to re-think?

In preparation for writing this devotional, I have read many pages about the Christmas season, from biblical stories to commentaries to Christmas carols.  I have found that there are so many facets, so many traditions of this holy season that we either contend are true, but probably aren’t, or have traditions that date back thousands of years before the events of our Holy Season.  And, I am referring to traditions that are ever so much more essential to our time of Advent than those around Santa Claus, for instance.  How does that make you feel?  Are you totally aware of it?  Does it shake up your faith and / or your holiday spirit?  Are you open to an alternative view of Christmas in many of its varied aspects?  Let’s go on this journey together!