CHRISTMAS 2012
In his latest newsletter cum bible study of the Nativity stories, retired Bishop John Spong presents a strong case for finding clues to the birth of Jesus to Mary in very real, human circumstances. Four of Jesus’ ancestors listed in the genealogy of Matthew 1:1-18 were women of ill repute according to the Law of Moses – Tamar, Rahab, Ruth and Bathsheba. Women did not appear in traditional Hebrew genealogies. So this was nothing to boast about in the strict Hebrew tradition.
Furthermore, it was Joseph who discovered Mary’s pregnancy and by the inspiration of the Spirit overcame his reluctance to marry her. His inspiration came in a vision of an angel speaking to him, a typical means of revelation in the Hebrew scriptures.
We may conclude from this interpretation of Matthew’s narrative that from the very first Jesus’ family life was very disturbed in terms of what we often define as “traditional family values.” On the other hand, this gives deeper meaning for me of the considerable distress a great many families are experiencing this year as Christmas approaches. It also reflects how much the names Jesus (Hebrew for ‘God saves’) and Emmanuel (‘Hebrew for ‘God with us’) may mean in the violent and troubled times like those we are living through right now.
As we sing the familiar carols and read once more the ancient story of the First Christmas, we are reminded of how vulnerable and fragile life can be. This is so in our extended family and for so many other families around the world. We are made aware too that this may have been the case for the Holy Family long ago.
My prayer for you is that in spite of all you will enjoy to the utmost possible the peace, joy and love that Christmas brings. I hope too that you will be blessed in every possible way through the coming year.
