Mary Had a Baby

And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be enrolled with Mary his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to be delivered. And she gave birth to her first-born son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. Luke 2:4-7 

One of the songs I will play for the worship service at the end of December is "Mary had a Baby"--an African American Spiritual. Looking up the words for the song, I envisioned a group of Jewish women gathered around sharing the news and the gossip of their small village. One would say "Mary had her baby while they were down in Bethlehem". A neighbor would comment on what a nice person Mary was and what a good mother she would make. Another would probably want to know how long she had been in labor and the sex of the child. They would ask how big the baby was and were both Mary and the baby doing well. One asked how her nursing was going and was Mary able to get any sleep. Of course, they all wondered who the baby looked like. Someone else wondered where they had stayed in Bethlehem and would learn the babe was born in a stable because there was no room in the inn. They would shake their heads in disgust in learning that the baby was laid in a manger padded with straw that the animals ate. They were anxious to learn the baby's name and to see him for themselves. As the discussion went on, they would state their disgust of Joseph hauling Mary away to the City of David when she was due to deliver at any time. Men were so stupid at times. They all agreed to take over a few meals both to welcome the baby and take some of the load off Mary. Several had some clothing to give to Mary for the baby which had been used by their children or grandchildren. The first child always needed a lot of things.  

Envisioning the above made me realize that Mary, Joseph, and Jesus were part of a community that was very close and caring. It reminded me that, "It takes a village to raise a child". These people would help watch over the child and his parents. Likewise, when a baby is born into our congregation, we are part of the village that will care for him or her and watch over them.  

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help us remember that Jesus was born to real people in a real community. He is God's gift to us. He understands what it means to be human and what it means to be part of a community. Help us remember his love and caring for us. Amen 

Nancy Hall