The First Noel

What if we forget the story we know so well and tell with such reverence at this of the year.
What if forget, for a moment…
Mary and Joseph.
Shepherds and Angels.
Herod and Bethlehem.
Wisemen and star.
And instead used our imagination to pretend that this is The First Noel.
Bedford, not Bethlehem.
Now, not then.
You and me, and not Mary and Joseph and shepherds and wisemen.
If we can, for a moment, use our imagination then here are some questions I find myself wondering about…

• Was back then a one time moment, or does God still send angels to interrupt our carefully thought out plans inviting us/waiting for us to say Yes to what seems to be the impossibile even as we mouth the words that with God all things are possible?
• Do we…
  Can we…
  Listen for those who announce Peace on Earth amidst the confusion and uncertainty of the times in which we live. And, then step away from where we are and leave what we were doing, to go to that place where Peace is born? Or, waiting to be born?
• Do we look up long enough to see stars or do we keep our head down; our nose to the grindstone?

I wonder.
But, here is what I do believe.
If the story is just about Jesus.
Just about Mary and Joseph and shepherds and angels.
If the story is just about wisemen and a wondrous star.
It is a quaint story.
And, supports a wonderful holiday.
But, if it is more…
About here and now and about you and me, then…
It has the possibility of, once again, changing the world.