Sermon for December 13th, 2015

Luke 2:1-7

In those days a decree went out from Emperor Augustus that all the world should be registered. 2 This was the first registration and was taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria. 3 All went to their own towns to be registered. 4 Joseph also went from the town of Nazareth in Galilee to Judea, to the city of David called Bethlehem, because he was descended from the house and family of David. 5 He went to be registered with Mary, to whom he was engaged and who was expecting a child. 6 While they were there, the time came for her to deliver her child. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in bands of cloth, and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.

O Night Bovine

I said the cow, all white and red
I gave Him my manger for His bed
I gave Him my hay to pillow His head
I said the cow, all white and red

Ok, people. First of all, let's get a few things straight. I heard your song. It's nice and all, but I am NOT a cow. That is udderly false. I mean, seriously... do you see any udders here?

Didn't think so. I am an ox. A Bovine. A steer. A bullocks. Or, if you're into scientific classifications: Animalia Chordata Mammalia Theria Eutheria Artiodactyla Bovidae Bovinae Bos taurus taurus.

Just don't call me a cow.

But the song is right about a few things. This IS my manger. And you are in MY stable. Oh don't worry... these days, it appears that EVERYONE is in my stable. It's the place to be, apparently. But it wasn't always like this. It used to be a quiet stable--just me, the manger, the hay, a few mice, and those two doves up there in the rafters. From time to time, a visiting horse for a night or two. Horses are quiet; they keep to themselves. I like horses.