"It is easier for a camel to
go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of
God.” Mark 10:25
Like a silhouetted night scene of traveling magi on camels
or camels simply resting in the manger's field of view, the splendour of the
stained glass camel conveys a peaceful depiction of Christmas. But were there camels around Bethlehem? Well, the above photo is a family picture
circa 1989 on the outskirts of Cairo, Egypt.
This was six months before my daughter Holly was born so it brings me
joy. Cairo is also just under 600km from Bethlehem. One could feel safe in
saying camels roamed the area.
Yet finding a documented camel connection specifically to
Christmas, good luck! Suzy (church puppet) would have a field day with Pastor figuring out
where a camel fits into the nativity and /or Epiphany. Etched in our minds from each Christmas
season is the nativity whether it’s a picture, a town creche, or in treasured
figures on the mantle or under our Christmas tree. We visualize a stable or a manger with a
focus on baby Jesus, with Mary, Joseph, shepherds, and the magi. We also
picture a host of animals including sheep, cows and yes, camels. Yet in
Christmas scripture passages amplified by our favourite carols, while cattle
lowed, angels heralded and the magi brought gifts, camel humps got bumped.
Let's return to Mark's passage and reflect on it in the
context of the angels - 'Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to
those on whom His favor rests.' We aren't
in want of smaller camels or larger eyes of needles; camels aren't scooting
through the eye of a needle anytime soon.
All the more reason for those of us who are able to share our blessings
and bestow glad tidings with the community to do so from the heart.
Dad joke - What was the three wisemen's favorite
carol? “Oh camel ye faithful”
-----Flemming Rasmussen
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