by the Rev. Barbara Mraz
Seems like everyone takes their shot at Christmas.
From the Gospels to “Saturday Night Live,” from the movie “Love Actually” to Handel’s Messiah, and with centuries of Christmas pageants marked by adorable shepherds and clodhopper angels, each one’s parents prouder than the next, the variety is overwhelming. Even Covid will not eliminate the celebrations.
Just when you think you’ve heard and seen it before, something breaks in to give you pause. I love that.
When my friend Holly Stoerker sent me this artwork from a site called “Theology and Art,” I was mesmerized, especially with the explanation. While seemingly just another “manger scene,” this one has an almost comic quality to it (or maybe I’m just warped). The explanation notes that Joseph is whipping up some porridge for dinner, clad in only one sock. “A legend of unknown origin” says that he cut the sock into strips to swaddle the child.
Also note that the ox is digging right into dinner while the ass is distracted by the image at the left — the Holy Spirit? No clue is given about what in the world is going on in the upper right but I expect someone could tell us….
I mention this for two reasons: one is to alert you about a Bible study being planned that will supplement discussion of the lectionary readings with art — and Holly is a master getting us going on this. It will begin in Lent.
The second reason is that in church on Sunday, I will respectfully attempt to “liberate” Mary from some ways she is usually misunderstood in Scripture. As an ex Lutheran, I do so with trepidation but also excitement! (And that trip from Nazareth to Bethlehem…that was no walk in the park! There may be a map!)
See you in church (and at Lessons and Carols later in the day. Show up twice — you’ll like it!)
Barbara
