Artwork: Tent City Nativity by Kelly Latimore

Reflection

Identifying familiar and specific places and experiences in our neighbourhoods is helpful in imagining what it would be like if Jesus was born here.

Reflect on your own neighbourhood context.  What would it be like if Jesus was born in your community?  Try to picture specific places, people and experiences.

• Who are vulnerable people in your community and what kinds of struggles or injustice do they face?
• Who would the "shepherds" be?  To whom would the angels announce the birth of the Saviour?  In what location might the angels show up?
• Where would Mary and Joseph go to find shelter in your neighbourhood if they were unable to secure housing?  What would it be like to care for an infant in that situation?  What risks would Jesus and his parents face?
• Are there any "Herods"?  What are the powers impacting people's lives?  Are there any "lords" competing with Jesus for people's allegiance?

Jesus, you come near.  As you come near to my community this Advent and Christmas, how can I draw near to you?

Open my eyes and show me where you would be and to whom you would reveal yourself if you were born here today?  How can I bless those places or people?

Lay on my heart someone who feels far from the "good tidings of great joy."

• Hold this person in prayer before the Lord.  Pray that they would experience Jesus' nearness to them in the midst of whatever suffering, loneliness or struggle they face.
• Do you personally feel far from the good news of Christmas?  Talk to Jesus about this.  Invite him into the depth of your reality.

As you did the neighbourhood reflection above, were there any specific locations that came to your mind?  Street corners or blocks, parks, homes, schools, churches, businesses, etc?

Consider taking a walk past some of these locations and praying for them and the people who are in these places.  Or, if you are not able to walk in these places, visit them in your imagination together with Jesus.

What do you notice?  As you walk, pay attention to what you see and hear.

Do you see signs of:

• Beauty, Pain, Despair, Hard work, Family, Community, Injustice, Restoration, Faith, Change?
• Is God showing you anything that he sees or knows about this community?
• Is God showing you anything that he is doing here?

As you notice things, pray about them.

Pray God's blessing on these places and ask the Holy Spirit to reveal the light and presence of Jesus to the people here.