SPARGANOO

SPARGANOO

Sunday, December 25, 2016

Luke 2:1-12  And it came to pass in those days, that there went out a decree from Caesar Augustus, that all the world should be taxed. (And this taxing was first made when Cyrenius was governor of Syria.) And all went to be taxed, every one into his own city. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, unto the city of David, which is called Bethlehem; (because he was of the house and lineage of David:) To be taxed with Mary his espoused wife, being great with child. And so it was, that, while they were there, the days were accomplished that she should be delivered. And she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn. And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord. And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

  “Sparganoo” is the Greek text word for swaddling. “Swaddling” being a foreign word in our current USA culture; seldom used in common conversation, and lacking in contemporary physical practice. It describes the Oriental Middle Eastern practice of using strips of cloth (sparganon) to bundle a baby.

  Friends Mark and Lordina Welch introduced us to both the word and practice.

  Twenty two years ago they rejoiced in the birth of their precious daughter, Aiko. With great joy they arrived home with her from the hospital, soon finding her a very noisy little lady. All night noisy!

  As all we such experienced parents know, rested or not, you still must go to work the next day(s).

  Finally, in desperation they phoned their pediatrician. The good doctor not being one to jump for his prescription pad, he explained how the frazzled parents and child could enjoy improved sleep. “Wrap the baby snugly in cloth.” Aiko slept like a baby!

  So it was in practice when Jesus began His life, swaddled in cloth, confined in the body of man. He whom formed and maintains all that was, is, and ever will be; bound and limited. To this He agreed.

  So it was that Jesus ended His life; confined, nailed to a cross with all its limitations. To this He agreed.

  So it was that he was entombed; confined, tightly swaddled in grave clothes in a tomb sealed, secured and guarded by Roman soldiers around the clock. To this He agreed.

  And yet He was, as ever, truly free; glorious example and model for our living free while temporarily swaddled this side of heaven. (Please note I said “heaven”, not “eternity”, for truly we always live life or death everlasting.)

  Life’s sparganoo is present, but can in no way restrict our God given freedom (Jn.8:36), unless of course we reject, allow, or even embrace otherwise.   EBB4