Whenever I lead a “Bible and Art Tour” at the Nelson with my docent friend Donna Houtteman, one of the pieces we talk about is a life-size wooden carving from Germany, of Mary and child. She has long, flowing hair, with the naked infant Jesus resting in her arms. But what throws viewers is what she is standing on, a crescent of the moon. Some people think it looks more like horns, but it’s the moon.
Only two of the four Gospels tell the story of Jesus’ birth, Luke and Matthew. But there is one other account, in the book of Revelation, which are the verses for today: “A great portent (or sign) appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet.” When she gives birth to her son, a “great red dragon” seeks to devour the child, but she flees to safety in the wilderness. This is another version of the story when Herod tried to have Jesus killed before the family fled to Egypt, except told in more dramatic fashion, suggesting such stories are timeless.
The cosmic imagery raises the ante on the Christmas story, reminding us that while kids in church may wear bathrobes and act out the nativity, it wasn’t exactly a cute story at the time. Even in our day, while families sing carols and exchange presents, there is still great suffering in the world. That’s why one of the songs we sing every year is “O Come, O Come, Emmanuel.” We are still waiting for things to be set right, for the Prince of Peace to rule not just in our hearts, but over the whole world. Or in keeping with our theme this season, “the world is about to turn.” Let’s hope so.
Mike Graves
