RBWords

     Geography plays its own part in the story of Jesus' birth.  Bethlehem was known as the "city of David."  The Gospel of Luke will have Joseph bringing his very pregnant wife there to register for a census because, very importantly, he is of the Davidic lineage!  Scripture scholars debate the nature of the housing where they stayed, but at least we know there was a manger there that could serve as a cradle!  Our nativity scenes may vary widely in the non-human creatures that are there.  Usually a donkey, an ox, and a sheep or two.  Shepherds and the Magi, and maybe an angel, make an appearance.  When I was a novice, the Magi made their way from one window sill to another before they arrived on the feast of the Epiphany.

     Children are known to ask their parents about their "birth stories."  Mom and Dad will inevitably tell a different variation, understandably!  The Gospels of Matthew and Luke were addressing different audiences and had access to different traditions about Jesus' early origins.  The Gospel of Mark doesn't mention them.  The Gospel of John goes back beyond Genesis!  ("In the beginning was the Word!")  Perhaps you have an elaborate nativity scene - maybe more than one!  I've been to Bethlehem, but the traditional spot is covered by a BIG church.  So, the nativity scene is what my imagination and the figurines make of it!  The important thing is that one's imagination and faith make something of it!  AMEN