So Joseph also went up from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to Bethlehem the town of David, because he belonged to the house and line of David. He went there to register with Mary, who was pledged to be married to him and was expecting a child. While they were there, the time came for the baby to be born, and she gave birth to her firstborn, a son. She wrapped him in cloths and placed him in a manger, because there was no guest room available for them.

It’s rough being Mary and Joseph. All they wanted was somewhere to hang their head on the night (soon to be known as) Christmas Eve. Couldn’t someone have at least organised a hotel for the night?

They’re out of town and Mary’s close to giving birth.  What to do?

Make do with what you’ve got, that’s what.

Jesus on his arrival steps into innovative thinking.

It amuses me at times (frustrates me at others) how so many people often think that Christianity is backwards in its thinking. That it lacks progressive thought.

Yet, the reality is that, at least in the workplace, if we are to be seen and paid attention to, then we actually are going to need to be on the forefront of innovation.

And there are probably a lot more of Christ’s people than we realise who are actually doing a whole host of progressive and innovative manoeuvres in their workplaces. They just don’t talk about it.

The angel, Gabriel can blow his trumpet, but not them.

People might think that Christianity is stuffy and boring, but Jesus’ arrival was nothing ordinary. Sure, his folks might have just brought a tent with them in their luggage but it’ll suffice for a short while.

They’ll make do with what they’ve got.

The point is to get the important things done. In this case, give birth to the Messiah of the world. They can make time for Carols by Candlelight another time.

They also seem to have registered fairly early on for the census – tick that ticket off the list – the whole reason why they went there in the first place. Well, that, and the need to fulfil an Old Testament prophecy that clearly states where they are supposed to be on the first Christmas.

All in all, it seems rather fresh and innovative to me. I’m not sure what these people are worrying about.  

Yours soon to be known as on holidays,

Alison