And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” Luke 2:12
“Luke is the only one who offers us a moving account of the birth and infancy of Christ which we can savor every Christmas. There is one very that stands out above all the others: “wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” This single phrase has given rise to crib scenes throughout the world and to thousands of beautiful paintings. These artistic creations are one more invitation for us to contemplate.”
Albino Luciani in Illustrissimi (1976) 234-235.
I love the crib scenes or nativity scenes that accompany the celebration of Christmas.
Each one fits the cultural context. They always appear humble and beautiful. They include people, beasts, and baby wrapped in swaddling cloths, simple strips of cloth, and lying in a manger.
When we contemplate this scene recorded only for us by Luke, we discover the wonder that God became flesh.
This scene inspires our own generosity because, wherever we find ourselves, we too can become ordinary and, with love, accomplish extraordinary things. The humble scene makes following Jesus accessible to everyone.
Contemplate the crib scene afresh this year. See how the some simple, yet profound aspect of the story, inspires you.
Every year my Bible study does it. In the process, I see something new in the story of Luke 1-2. Lean into a word or phrase in the “Christmas story” that stand out.
This year with Luciani, maybe since we have a new granddaughter, the swaddling cloths move me.
Father in heaven, thanks for generosity of the crib scene and the the humility of the swaddling cloths, for the obedience of Mary and Joseph, and for announcing your arrival to shepherds. May this scene inspire our sharing of the good news afresh. Amen.