The Modern Urban Nativity

Most of us know the Christmas story from Luke's Gospel well. This time of year people frequently decorate churches, yards, living rooms with images representing the night of Jesus birth. Nearly every people of the Christian tradition depict the holy family to be of their race or culture, but almost always like in the gospel story they are in the manager with the animals. It is an image many probably take for granted. It is easy to ignore or romanticize a baby being born outside among the dirt and animals.
Tradition tells us that the inns were full that night.

One recent "freeze night", when I was not working, the two shelters which open up extra space that are at least considered somewhat conducive for families, were both full. When this occurs space is supposed to be located for people, but sometimes things do not happen as they are supposed to. A young couple, the woman several months pregnant, and their very young children spent a frigid night in their car.

Since, it is the Advent season, I was thinking....
If we were to set the Christmas story in modern day urban America, it would likely take place in a car or an abandoned building. Or perhaps if a woman was about to give birth, they would most likely go to a hospital, which would put them in debt for a very long time if they happen to be among the growing number who lack health insurance. If they arrived at one of the few hospitals that have reopened since the hurricane in New Orleans they would surely encounter crowded conditions and challenges that go along with short staffed health care facilities.
We have been telling the Christmas story for 2000 years, and although we have space for nativity scenes made of wood, paper, and clay, I suspect that if pregnant Mary came into many cities in urban America today, like the inns 2000 years ago she may be turned away.


Yesterday, I enjoyed being united in prayer with all the sisters in my province. I even was able to participate in small group sharing via speaker phone. Although I am far away, I truly feel connected and supported and am grateful.

Someone mentioned that some winters there are only about five nights when the temperature goes below 38 and the city declares a freeze night opening extra shelter space. This year we have already far exceeded that number. It has been unusually cold for New Orleans this time of year. Fortunately, there are American Red Cross volunteers helping with the freeze nights now, so it does not fall on the department where I work to staff them. It is also fortunate that my community in Philadelphia mailed me some of my winter clothes Thank you!