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 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 introduced Ann and I to both the word
and practice.
Years ago they rejoiced in the birth of their
now adult precious daughter. 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.” They all 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 individuals
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
No comments:
Post a Comment