The Christmas story is filled with controversy at so many levels. We can begin with December 25th as an odd time for Jesus’ birth since shepherds were unlikely to be tending sheep in the fields during the winter months (Lk. 2:8); it was possible, but unlikely. We can clarify how the Bible speaks of the three gifts of the Magi, but says nothing of the number of Magi present (Mt. 2:11b). We can preach that the traditional manger scene never occurred, as the shepherds saw the baby Jesus in the manger (Lk. 2:16), but the Magi went to a house to see Jesus (Mt. 2:11a).
Not only is the traditional manger scene foreign to the Biblical narrative, but the Christmas story, according to Matthew, is filled with scandal, jealousy and murder, making any prime-time movie look white-washed in comparison. Matthew specifically calls out four women with tainted lives in Jesus’ genealogy: Tamar, Rahab, Ruth (she spent the night with Boaz), and Bathsheba, which leads to a young Mary pregnant out of wedlock (Mt. 1:3, 5-6, 18-19). Matthew’s story ends in a blood bath, as well as a fore-shadow of the crucifixion; Herod’s jealous rage executes and orders to kill all baby boys in the Judean region (Mt. 2:16). Like the cross, we’ve glossed over and photo-shopped the birth narrative of Jesus to make the story more palatable.
If we begin talking about the amount of commercialism tied to Christmas, we might all be shamed.
I’ve come to terms with the Christmas story’s relationship to the pop-culture telling of the birth story of Jesus. Personally, I’m just kinda glad that Jesus’ story is being told (i.e. Phil. 1:15-18). That said, one area I’ve struggled with is the classic Christmas song, “Do You Hear What I Hear?” (It’s also one of my favorites). I can accept the liberties with the Biblical story and the use of fantasy as imagery in the song.
* The night wind speaks to the lamb about the star in the sky.
* The lamb goes to the shepherd boy about the song he hears, presumably the song of the angelic host.
* The shepherd boy, in combining him with the Wise Men, goes to the Mighty King to tell him about the child shivering in the cold, pleading with the King to bring silver and gold.
At this moment the song departs entirely from the Biblical narrative. It’s this divergence that I’ve struggled with the most.
When Herod heard the news that the Christ was born, he used worship as a pretense for murder (Mt. 2:8). The baby was a threat to his throne, and he was going to eliminate any threat (historically, Herod was known for such actions). However, the song says the Mighty King declares to all the people hope and peace, as the baby child will bring goodness and light.
It’s here that my upbringing starts to scream, “We cannot sing this song, because it’s not true!” The Mighty King tried to stop the baby’s reign before it even started; he never promoted his reign. My soul was in turmoil. I loved the song, but it told a story that never happened. The song is nothing but short of a lie.
A couple of years ago, I experienced an epiphany when a different understanding of the song emerged. Maybe the song was not about “What Did” happen. We know what happened. Instead, maybe the song tells us about “What If” something else happened.
“What If” the Mighty King humbled himself?
“What if” the Mighty King used his power and position to lead a restoration?
“What If” the Mighty King rallied the people of Judea around Christ?
“What If” the Mighty King led the throng in worship to the Christ?
We all live somewhere between “what did happen,” and “what could have happened.” A husband and father could have been the spiritual leader of his family, but chose apathy while mocking or criticizing people of faith. A business owner could have ministered to the people but was too preoccupied with making his next dollar. A church could have made a difference in the community, but were too consumed by internal strife or just afraid to act in faith.
Living between “what did happen” and “what could have happened,” means we have the choice. The choice is not only what kind of story we want to live out, but what kind of story God wants us to live out.
Soli Deo Gloria!
(i.e. only God is glorified!)