Most of us can agree that the stories we tell ourselves and repeat to others are powerful. These stories mold our thoughts, values, beliefs and ultimately manifest in our behavior or actions. So regardless of your personal beliefs or traditions it is valuable during this season to pause and contemplate the unique and radical nature of the Christmas narrative. The idea that the God who created the universe would choose not to be distant or impersonal, but rather come to earth to dwell among us is simply astonishing. What adds to the radical nature of this story is that God choose to be nurtured in the womb of a young girl then delivered, not in a palace, but, in an animal stall.
God came, not as an angry, vengeful, all-powerful overseer, but rather a poor and vulnerable baby. Emanuel – God with us.
The sculpture shown here is an abstract interpretation of the manger. The piece was a part of an exhibition I put together years ago entitled “no room at the inn.” A catalog of this exhibition and more information concerning this work is available in the documents section of my LinkedIn profile. I wish you all the very best this holiday season!