A Modern Christmas Story: Hope in the Urban Community
... Joseph went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to the town of Bethlehem in Judea, the birthplace of King David. Joseph went there because he was a descendant of David... He went to register with Mary, who was promised in marriage to him. She was pregnant, and while they were in Bethlehem, the time came for her to have her baby. She gave birth to her first son, wrapped him in cloths and laid him in a manger—there was no room for them to stay in the inn...
And this is what will prove it to you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great army of heaven's angels appeared with the angel, singing praises to God: “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
and peace on earth to those with whom he is pleased!”
In the heart of a bustling urban landscape, where skyscrapers pierce the sky and people move with the rhythm of city life, a story unfolds that echoes the timeless narrative of hope and love. This is a modern Christmas story, one that reimagines the journey of a new family finding their place amidst the chaos of city streets.
Meet Joseph, a thoughtful thirty-two-year-old black man with rectangular glasses perched on his nose, a hoodie under a long grey coat, and a baseball cap snugly fit on his head.
By his side is Mary, a serene thirty-one-year-old black woman with long hair cascading from beneath her blue cap, her tan hoodie matching the comfort of her jeans.
In Joseph's arms, a tiny bundle of new life—Jesus, their recently born son—rests peacefully in blue baby clothes.
As the family walks hand in hand down a crowded street, the city's pulse surrounds them. The day begins to surrender to dusk, and a gentle glow of Christmas lights leads them towards a nearby park, a sanctuary amidst the urban sprawl. The sidewalks grow busier, filled with people sharing in the festive spirit.
Upon reaching the park, a wonderland of twinkling lights and joyful decorations, Joseph and Mary weave through the crowd, finding solace at a secluded picnic table. The evening air is filled with laughter and distant carolers, yet within this moment, time seems to pause for the small family.
Jesus, nestled in Joseph's arms, begins to fidget, his quiet cries a gentle reminder of his needs. Understanding glances pass between Mary and Joseph. From the depths of their backpack, Mary retrieves a bottle. As Joseph offers it to Jesus, the baby's restlessness fades, a moment of contentment shared among the trio.
Passersby occasionally pause to greet the family with warmth, recognizing the universal bond of parenthood and the promise of new beginnings. Joseph and Mary, though weary, return each greeting with gratitude, their connection to the community an unspoken narrative of hope and togetherness in a world so vast.
On one occasion, as the park was starting to empty, Joseph asked one couple what was the reason for the decorations. Joseph thought that it was a celebration that was common to that area, since he and the rest of the family had recently arrived.
The look of surprise and bewilderment that took hold of each face was indescribable. The man - Jack, looked at Joseph, then at Mary and then at the baby and said, “The lights and decorations are for your son.”
Joseph and Mary looked at each other in curious amazement. With one voice they exclaimed, “What? What are you talking about?”
The woman - Anna chimed in, “Don’t know that your son’s arrival was told to us by our religious leaders - the leaders of the old ways?”
“Yes, aren’t you aware that your son, is here to bring freedom and salvation to the people?”
“Yeah, you know, ‘God with us’? We thought you were told!”
Again Mary and Joseph looked each other. The light bulb came on and they remembered what the visitors had said including what they said about Mary’s birth.
Joseph, thanked them and assured them that it was told to them, “A couple of visitors did tell us that. After our trip here, we almost forgot. I think we’re just both tired.”
“Do you have a place to stay?” Anna asked.
“No, not really.” Mary answered. “Every place was filled up.”
“You’re staying with us!” Jack insisted.
In this simple reimagined scene of the Christmas Story, it's just a reminder that the spirit of Christmas is alive—a reminder that in every corner of the world, love and hope prevail, even amidst the hum of city life.
