I sat and listened to Stephen preach today. It was nice—nice to hear Stephen preach—but also nice to just sit and listen. I’ve been able to do more of that lately and it’s really, really good. Anyway, one thing he said really jumped out at me. “Christmas is a birth and a birth is violent.” Stephen’s been there (very much there) for the birth of both our kids, so I’m kind of glad he decided not to use any personal illustrations at this point—but I think most people can add their own. I admit I couldn’t help but think of my first experience giving birth. I’ll save you the details except to say that it was long and painful and drug-free with the exception of Pitocin—and I wouldn’t trade it. And by “it,” I mean the actual process of giving birth. It was painful, but wonderful. Wonderful, but violent. Violent but holy. I’m so, so glad for that experience. Thankful for the child that was born, but also glad for the experience itself—because the pain made me a better, more complete person. I lived in a way I hadn’t lived before. And I came away with a deeper appreciation for the pain Jesus experienced on the cross. Sounds kind of self-focused but hey that’s how it was—for me.
So what about, “Christmas is a birth and a birth is violent?” Any woman who’s given birth will tell you it’s violent and a baby would too if he could. But what about the violence that came because of Jesus’ birth? Obviously there was Mary’s pain and even the pressure that Jesus must have felt as his tiny body was pushed through a narrow birth canal. But what about the spiritual birth that is made possible in each one of us because of Jesus’ birth, death (violence again) and resurrection? Is that violent? Yeah, I think it is. I think the spiritual birth that is possible in each one of our lives because of the Christmas birth is violent—and sometimes downright painful.
And can I honestly say I’m glad for it? No, not really. But then I’m reminded that “Christmas is a birth and a birth is violent.” And so maybe that violence and the pain I’ve experienced at different points along the journey isn’t wasted. Maybe, if anything, it’s part of a birth—maybe just maybe it’s part of the larger metanarrative of Christmas. And maybe someday I’ll be glad for that pain. But right now “Christ is still being formed in me” and “creation is still groaning as in the pains of childbirth.” But someday, someday the head will crown, Jesus will return and Christmas will be here! And I have a feeling I’ll be glad for having lived the process.
Laura