Nativity Scenes

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Yesterday was my birthday. And while I cannot remember anything of that birthing miracle, at times like this my imagination does go back to the birth of my three children and their birth narratives. Each birth reminding me of their manger scenes; reminding me of the miracle, wonder, hard work and fragility of new life.


Which takes me to the birthday we celebrate each Christmas. And I wonder, "What do mangers look like today?” Amid the chaos, "Where are the places of new life today?"


Which bring memories of another manger scene - this time at the Saint John Regional Hospital. It was a day of waiting. Waiting while David was in surgery for a bit of carpentry work on a worn knee.


The hospital certainly felt like a nativity scene. 


Inn keepers were there - busy, juggling who needs what. A Christmas Tree was being rebuilt amid the line up at Tim Horton’s. Expectant and weary travellers were there in need of a place to rest. SUVs, sedans, pick ups and ambulances replace donkeys. Shepherds were there - keeping watch by day and by night. Stethoscopes, walkers, IV polls and blood pressure cuffs replace shepherd’s crooks. Angels were there - wearing hospital ID tags, calming anxiety, offering tender and wise care while they echo the words of scripture “Do not be afraid.”


In that hospital manger, where staff are run off their feet, all are seeking a place to give birth - be it to a wee infant, or a fresh opportunity to walk upright with a new knee, or a dose of chemo to kill a life threatening disease or a place to be held and comforted to await whatever comes next.


I live in hope that the familiar words of “Behold I bring you good news,” will echo along the corridors and around the bedsides; in the birthing units, at nursing stations, in the recovery rooms. For indeed, here in this manger, both tears of great joy and tears of fear frequently express feelings beyond words.


Like the wise ones of our ancient story, all the travellers will go home a different way… or at least will go home changed - be it with a new lease on life or to the Holy mystery that follows life.


Meanwhile at home, I will soon unpack Mary and Jospeh and dust off the wooden sheep and shepherds to once again have them take their place of honour under a tiny stable roof.  While these tiny characters hold vigil at home, I believe that these Holy nativity scenes of new life are unfolding all around us, over and over again, here and now. So I for one will be on the lookout. Might you also keep watch?

Comments

  1. AnonymousDecember 1, 2022 at 11:49 PM

    Never thought of 'birth' this way. I like it, fits for me better then just always a baby. I can now see my own rebirth through this filter. Thank you Elizabeth.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thoughts from Chickadee LaneDecember 2, 2022 at 1:08 PM

    You are most welcome. If you are comfortable, with adding your name I would love to know who is reading.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Shelley PickDecember 7, 2022 at 10:43 AM

    Beautiful words that help bring the reality behind the symbols forward into our lives today.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. AnonymousDecember 9, 2022 at 7:07 PM

      Thank you Shelley for your affirmation and for taking the time to comment. Much appreciated.

      Delete

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