Stations of the Nativity

The tradition of following the Stations of the Cross, reflecting on the events of Jesus' passion and death is an ancient one. later, Stations of Light, reflecting on the resurrection appearances, were added. As far as I know, in the wider church, there are no other series of stations for other seasons / aspects of Jesus' life and identity, but I like the rhythm of prayer created by these stations, so that hasn't stopped me writing some of my own.

I wrote these "Stations of the Nativity" a few years ago but have never shared them here so as the Christmas season draws to a close, thought it was perhaps apt to do so.

The First Station: Jesus as Child and Saviour of his Nation (The genealogy)

Matthew 1: 1 - 17

Embedded

In the history of his people

Of a journey towards salvation

Named and known

Child of a chosen nation

Creating a connection

To this his Holy Ground

The Second Station: The Annunciation

Luke 1: 26 - 38

Promised

As fear gives way to love

An encounter with the divine

Invitation and acceptance

The will of God

Made known

On this humble, Holy Ground

The Third Station: Joseph's Dream

Matthew 1: 18 - 25

Invited

By a messenger from God

To dare to love

Dreams and visions

The ordinary becomes extraordinary

Taking risks

To share in this Holy Ground

The Fourth Station: The Visit to Elizabeth

Luke 1: 39 - 56

Shared

With one who also knows

An unexpected hope

The pain and the promise

Daring to believe

Singing praise

On this now Holy Ground

The Fifth Station: The Birth of John the Baptist

Luke 1: 63 - 79

Filled

With a spirit of hope

At the birth of a baby

Prophecy and prayer

Setting out

Speaking truth

Preparing Holy Ground

The Sixth Station: Journeying to Bethlehem

Luke 2: 1 - 5

Summoned

By an empire's power

To the home of the shepherd king

Apprehension and exhaustion

Weighed down with worry

And unborn child

Walk on across Holy Ground

The Seventh Station: Finding No Room at the Inn

Luke 2: 7

Abandoned

To the darkness of night

By the hostility of closed doors

Outside and excluded

In a place fit only for beasts

No space for Him

On this yet Holy Ground

The Eighth Station: The Birth of Jesus

Luke 2: 6 - 7

Fulfilled

In the birth of a baby

As love takes human form

Humility and hope

Immanuel: God is with us

Making this

Most Holy Ground

The Ninth Station: Shepherds and Angels

Luke 2: 8 - 18

Huddled

Against the dark night sky

Until glory breaks through

Wonder and amazement

Greeting the angels' song

A promise of peace

Shines down on Holy Ground

The Tenth Station: Magi Journey from the East

Matthew 2: 1 - 9

Guided

From distant lands

To seek a new born king

Wisdom and starlight

Turning away from centres of power

Ever onwards

Towards this Holy Ground

The Eleventh Station: The Giving of Gifts

Matthew 2: 10 - 11

Offered

Homage on bended knee

To a baby in a manger

Symbolism and sacrifice

Foretelling a life to come

Gold, frankincense, myrrh

Poured out on Holy Ground

The Twelfth Station: The Flight into Egypt

Matthew 2: 13 - 15

Hurried

Out into darkest night

An escape form violent persecution

Fleeing and frightened

To a land peopled by the ghosts of Passover

And do the exiled ask

Where now is Holy Ground?

The Thirteenth Station: Bethlehem Weeps for the Children

Matthew 2: 16 - 18

Burdened

With the grief of a nation

As innocence dies

Tears and lamentations

In a land now soaked in blood

Crying out

Is this still Holy Ground?

The Fourteenth Station: Jesus as the Incarnate Word

John 1: 1 - 18

Revealed

From before the beginning

Incarnate among us

Word and Flesh

This is our God

Embracing an encounter

On this most Holy Ground

*       *       *

In the silence

We stand on Holy Ground

Be still and watch

But not for long

It is time

To step out and walk on.