Step Into the Scene

One of the primary forms the text of scripture takes is story. Thus imagination should be one of our primary tools as we approach it. We should attempt to climb inside biblical narratives and seek to understand them from the inside out. Visual artists have done this for hundreds of years. Rembrandt’s The Storm on the Sea of Galilee is a stunning example, as the artist literally painted himself into the boat. Yet, when it comes to scripture, we’ve learned to suspend our imagination and catalogue information. Some perceive imaginative interaction with the sacred text as superfluous or sacrilegious. Yet, these stories were shared orally before they were written. Their origins and design encourage us to step into them.

As we celebrate this advent season, let’s step into the scene—Joseph helps Mary in the birth of their Son.

I form my cloak into a pillow and tuck it behind her head. I pull the wineskin and blanket close. Setting the lamp beside me on the dirt floor, I turn it bright.

“Just bear down as Elizabeth told you to.” I repeat what I’ve heard, my attempt to fill the role of midwife.

I hold her hand and bend to check. Pulling the lamp closer I see—my Son, the cap of His skull, like black hair on eggshell.

I put my cheek against hers and whisper, “He is coming.” Mary nods and I crouch to look again. I cannot explain it, but with these first glimpses of Him, my anxiety is swept away like sawdust upon a breeze.

Mary groans in pain once more. I feel the wet warmth of His neck and back as He slides onto my hand and up my wrist. His cries echo through the timbers overhead.

With my carpenter’s knife I cut the cord. I lift and give Him to her. She lies back, drying Him with her scarves as I clear away the soiled hay and reach to turn down the lamp. I put my arm under her and pull them close. In this new calm I smooth my beard and breathe in the scent of the Child upon my hand.