Movement and stillness are carefully contrasted in the Christmas Story. First, there is the tedious moving of Mary and Joseph from Nazareth to Bethlehem, a journey by donkey of some seventy miles. Accompany them. Take the reigns of the donkey so that Joseph can tend to Mary without distraction. Kneel with them in the stillness and awesomeness of the birth. Drink in all the power of that silent night.
Energy shifts to the angels announcing and singing before the shepherds. By faith your spirit mounts with theirs. From the stillness of a winter’s night-watch over their sheep, they run in haste to the manger. Their outof-breath-ness slows to an immense peace, and then energy again as they become the first missionaries of the new presence.
Where does all this leave you? Take your cue from Mary who “treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.”
Create your own Bible Breaths Learn More…
Examples: The donkey to Bethlehem v. 4 Laying Him in a manger v. 7
Hosanna in excelsis v. 14 Mary ponders in her heart. v. 19
Fridays are dedicated to the Gospels.
In the seasons of Advent to Epiphany this year we read Luke 1 2; Matthew 1 7.
For all the Firestarters I recommend the ebook. You will have the entire program of well over a thousand of these introductions with you on your phone or tablet. Check the menu options at the site for more information.
The Bible Through the Seasons 