And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) Luke 2:4
The opening phrase in that sentence grabs me: And Joseph also went up… Also? Who else went to Bethlehem?
If you don’t like your Nativity scene messed with (I certainly don’t!) you may want to skip this post. Because I have a theory. I’m not even sure I like the theory because it skews a zillion years of tradition and pageantry. On the other hand, it confirms a truth I embrace: God is a relational Being, and He loves families. He created them, and built His church with them.
I think, maybe, just maybe, He also invited them to the manger that night.
Here is my theory: Both Joseph and Mary were descendants of King David according the genealogies in the New Testament. That meant both of their fathers and all their uncles would have been required to register in Bethlehem, too. We don’t know, of course, which family members were even alive then. But surely someone was. Surely among the House of David were other members of the clan who journeyed from Nazareth to Bethlehem on that sacred night.
I love my Nativity scene, and there isn’t room on my mantle to add a couple of crooning grandmothers or a gaggle of little cousins. Even so, I’m wondering if the real Nativity looked something like that. I wonder if Mary’s mother was there to wrap the baby in swaddling clothes. If Joseph’s brothers slapped him on the back and forgot for a moment that this was a scandoulos birth.
I wonder if the Baby Jesus actually came to earth surrounded by a crowd of family members who also went.
I’m just wondering. And, I’m wondering what you think.
Awwwwww, I hope you’re right. I’ve always been so sad, especially for Mary, that this seemed to be such a lonely birth. We’ve experienced that joy in those first few hours and days where you just want to show everyone you love (and anyone who will stand still) your beautiful new baby and hope that she got to.
Wow! Never thought of this before! But I like it. And I agree. It happened exactly like that. : )
I had NOT thought about a crowd of family being present. I always just sort of assumed that the “also” meant everyone else who was required to register, relatives or not. But wouldn’t it have wonderful if they hadn’t been alone, but surrounded by family and the people who loved them, who had come to grips with the fact that yes, it was a scandoulous birth.
I told Missy at the beginning of this journey of ours, that the Bible doesn’t mention Mary’s parents reaction to thier daughters premature pregnancy, so wonder if you’re not correct in the fact that family was right along side….just where God intended them to be.
Your perspective is wonderful Kathy! Thanks so much!
I’m pretty sure it broke my heart the first time Mark Youngblood taught me the wise men weren’t there that night and might not have been three – the fruit wasn’t necessarily an apple and Noah had an ugly drunkard scene after the children’s story part. Eventually, though, I learned to love all there was to discover if you actually paid attention and all that could be included in the brief words we’re given for each event. So, yea, I like this a LOT.