I am a Jesus pusher!!! This is the amazing truth about the Christmas narratives. No one involved in these stories is concerned about theology. The setting of the Christ child’s birth is not a theological classroom. This is real life drama. The dreams of this couple are not out of the ordinary. They want to establish a home, have children, and raise those children among family and friends. Joseph saved the necessary money; he paid the dowry. He is making improvements to his house, adding an extra room in anticipation of their firstborn child. Mary is learning new recipes and gathering the necessary items to equip the kitchen. They are not struggling with the “existential” existence of man. They are filled with the events of life. Christmas is the story of God entering the realm of man’s living!
We are very good at departmentalizing our lives. We push religion off to one day a week, isolating it from our jobs, recreation, entertainment, and friends. You can do this with “religion” but not with Jesus. God planted Jesus in the midst of the everyday lives of Joseph and Mary. It is equally true with us! Christmas is the story of Jesus being born in us. The New Covenant will come through the cross; Jesus will fill us with His Spirit. All of life will now be empowered and affect by Him. What a privilege. It is Christmas. I am a Jesus pusher!!!