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A Nativity for All

Dear Friends,

The nativity reminds us that Jesus came for everyone, even though
there may be many diverse ways of worshipping him. The nativity
story, told in Luke and Matthew, demonstrates different races and
peoples involved.

First Mary, pregnant with Jesus, and Joseph, a humble young
couple from an obscure village called Nazareth. Then Mary's
cousin Elizabeth, past child bearing age, yet herself pregnant with
John the Baptist. Elizabeth was married to Zechariah, who was of
the priestly class. Thirdly, those to whom the angels announced the
good news of Jesus' birth. These were some of the poorest of the
poor: shepherds. They were often despised because they had to
work, even on the Sabbath, because sheep need looking after
every day.

Later on, when the holy family have fled from the wrath of Herod,
exotic foreigners, educated and high status men from the East,
bearing rich gifts, came to worship the infant Jesus. They were not
guided by angels, as the shepherds, but, these wise men, having
read the prophesies, were guided by a star to Jesus.

This nativity story shows us that Jesus came to earth for all people.
Moreover, his last instruction to his disciples underlines this:

'Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in
the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit'
(Matthew 28:19).

Wishing you a joyful and blessed
Christmas and a happy New Year.

Every blessing

Janet

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