The Nativity

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Many years ago, I was searching for Mary and Joseph figurines that the families of my faith community could play with and wonder about. What kept coming up in my Google search was a ceramic Mary regally sitting upon a donkey, nine months pregnant. A ceramic Joseph led the way. Mary’s hair was covered with a scarf, not one strand escaping. Mary looked peaceful, meek, and mild as some songs incorrectly describe her. This Mary was meant to be gazed upon from afar and admired for what was on the surface. All I could think about was how easily the figurine would shatter with a few moments of imaginative play.

The Nativity picture book cover

I believe the shattering of that meekly perfect portrayal of Mary is part of our call as followers of Jesus. This month’s book, “The Nativity,” illustrated by Julie Vivas, does this shattering with so much charm. The text is familiar to many, direct excerpts from the authorized King James version of the Nativity story. Vivas’s illustrations show everyday, imperfect people, living their lives when angels disrupt it. Mary responds to the Angel Gabriel with what she has, a cup of something warm and listening ears.

Part of an illustration of Mary from The Nativity

My favorite illustration right now is the joyful challenge of getting a nine-month pregnant Mary on a donkey, because of course it is hard and uncomfortable. And yet, Mary persists. She heard the call of God and she responds with her life. In Mary’s humanity, warmth, and strength I am reminded that I am not called to decorate perfectly and do all the things of this Advent and Christmas season perfectly. I am called to listen for God’s voice and respond to the best of my ability. This message offers me hope and comfort.

“The Nativity” illustrated by Julie Vivas. Published by Omnibus Books, Australia in 1986. Restored edition by Voyager Books, USA in 2005.

 

A note: this book was originally published in 1986. Sometimes used copies are easier to find than new, especially in hardcover. As a parent of a young child, I welcome gifts of used copies of books. My toddler explores books with the enthusiastic roughness of his age. If you’re considering gifting it, your recipient may feel the same way too.

Another note: Part of this writing is adapted from the beginning of a sermon I gave earlier in the year, which can be found here.