Most of us 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 chose to be nurtured in the womb of a young girl and 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 is available in the documents section of my LinkedIn profile. I wish you all the very best this holiday season!